GSN Launches Initiative to Tokenize Water Infrastructure in Southeast Asia, Eyes $200M Target
Blockchain infrastructure provider Global Settlement Network (GSN) has unveiled a strategic pilot program to tokenize water treatment facilities in Jakarta. This move marks the first step in a broader ambition to manage $200 million in tokenized assets across Southeast Asia within the coming year.
By leveraging Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, the firm intends to mint tangible infrastructure assets on the blockchain. This process is designed to lower barriers to entry for investors and enhance liquidity in sectors that are typically illiquid.
The Jakarta Pilot: A $35 Million Kickoff
The initiative begins with a specific focus on eight government-contracted water treatment plants located in Jakarta. According to a statement released on Wednesday, the immediate goal is to raise approximately $35 million. These funds are earmarked for critical upgrades to existing facilities and the expansion of the local water distribution network.
This pilot serves as a proof-of-concept for a phased expansion over the next 12 months. GSN is collaborating with the Globalasia Infrastructure Fund to implement this roadmap.
The partnership plans to test settlement rails using a Rupiah-based stablecoin within controlled environments. Once successful, the plan is to scale operations to include additional foreign exchange corridors and expand the portfolio to the $200 million regional target.
Bridging the Infrastructure Funding Gap
The move to tokenize public utilities comes at a critical time for the region. Mas Witjaksono, Chairman of the Indonesia-based Globalasia Infrastructure Fund, emphasized the suitability of the local market for this technology.
"The project offers significant opportunities for growth, as Indonesia has numerous major infrastructure developments and natural assets that can be accessed for tokenization," Mas Witjaksono stated.
The firms highlighted a pressing need for alternative financing models. Data suggests that Southeast Asia faces a massive funding deficit, with over $4 trillion required for long-term water investments by 2040—a figure that far exceeds current government spending capabilities.
Industry analysts believe that 2026 could be a breakout year for the tokenized RWA market, particularly in emerging economies that struggle with traditional capital formation. Currently, data from RWA.xyz indicates that over $21 billion in real-world assets are already on-chain, held by more than 636,267 users.
Southeast Asia’s Crypto Appetite
The decision to launch in this region aligns with adoption trends. Southeast Asia has established itself as a global hub for cryptocurrency usage.
According to a September report by Chainalysis, the APAC region (driven largely by Southeast Asia) is the fastest-growing area for on-chain activity, recording a 69% year-over-year increase in value received.
Furthermore, Indonesia has emerged as a standout performer. Chainalysis data reveals that in the 12 months leading up to June 2025, Indonesia became the second-largest market for on-chain value, boasting a massive 103% growth rate.
