Indonesia faces a serious water crisis, much like other rapidly developing nations. Despite hosting over 1,000 river basins, many households struggle to access clean drinking water. Issues are worsened by contamination, over-reliance on groundwater, and poor wastewater management.
The government lays out its water management goals in laws such as Law No. 17 of 2019 and Law No. 30 of 2024. These legal frameworks aim to secure water rights and promote sustainable resource management. The Ministry of National Development Planning leads these efforts, working with various other ministries. However, conflicts between development goals and water management persist. It’s not a policy issue but rather an execution issue, often overlooking the long-term environmental impacts for immediate needs.
Recent discussions, like those at the “Wednesdays for Water” sessions organized by the WforW Foundation, highlighted these challenges. Experts like Yanti Kusumanto and Dr. Fransiscus X Suryadi emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue between stakeholders. They explored how intertwined governance, technology, and sustainability are but acknowledged the complexities that come with them.
Historically, Indonesia’s approach to water governance has shifted. In the 1980s, the focus was more on infrastructure. Now, there’s a greater emphasis on understanding ecological impacts—yet enforcement still favors traditional infrastructure methods. Fragmented governance leads to poor coordination between various sectors, and policies often fail to communicate effectively. Although the constitution guarantees every citizen access to clean water, many laws do not translate into substantial action, with local participation remaining minimal.
A pressing dilemma lies in the management of Indonesia’s tidal lowlands, which cover about 20 million hectares. These areas are crucial for agriculture yet face significant environmental challenges. The drainage-based development model has allowed some cultivation but has also degraded the land, leading to issues such as land subsidence and increased fire risks. The interplay of ecological fragility makes sustainable management imperative.
Dr. Suryadi points out that effective management must combine infrastructure with community involvement. Successful examples from regions like South Sumatra show that when communities actively participate in water management, outcomes greatly improve.
However, the governance system often marginalizes local voices in decision-making. This leads to a big gap between what science recommends and what gets implemented politically. Bridging this gap is essential, but it requires not only better communication but also institutional mechanisms that incorporate scientific knowledge into policy.
In summary, Indonesia’s water management issues reflect a broader conflict between short-term development goals and long-term sustainability. As the country works toward its 2045 water security goals, it must learn from these challenges. By fostering genuine community participation and breaking down departmental silos, Indonesia can better ensure safe and sufficient water for all its citizens.
For further insights on Indonesia’s water crisis and environmental policies, refer to this report.
