Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants that have become a global concern due to their adverse environmental and health impacts. However, information regarding PFAS contamination in river-derived drinking water systems in developing countries, including Indonesia, remains limited. This study aimed to analyze 19 PFAS compounds in raw water, treated drinking water, and Reverse Osmosis (RO) reject water from the X DWTP, Jakarta, Indonesia, and evaluate its potential human risk and mitigation strategies. Methods: Water samples were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Findings: Nine PFAS detected with ∑PFAS concentrations reaching 758.94 and 1219.35 ng/L in raw and drinking water, respectively. The RO unit effectively removed long-chain PFAS compounds, particularly PFOS and PFOA, highlighting the importance of advanced treatment technologies in reducing potential human exposure risks. In contrast, PFBA remained substantially high in treated drinking water and exceeded the drinking water threshold of the European Union (EU). Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of strategic PFAS management through source-control mitigation, establishment of drinking water standards, and implementation of Best Available Techniques (BAT). Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides the first baseline data on PFAS contamination in Jakarta’s surface water-derived drinking water supporting future PFAS monitoring and mitigation efforts.
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