Sustainable water resources management in Indonesia

The development of water resources management in Indonesia has been fragmented and largely ineffectual. A comprehensive strategic review is required to ensure sustainable urban water supply (UWS) within a structure of integrated water resources management (WRM) based on hydrologically defined administrative areas. Strategies applicable to national, regional and local levels are discussed. The strategies at the national level encompass: planning frameworks for WRM based on watersheds; strengthening of environmental regulatory systems and institutions; strengthening of co-ordination between departments responsible for all aspect of water; and the establishment of competent and robust institutions. At the local/regional level, the strategies emphasise the crucial steps for ensuring the implementation of sustainability of both WRM and UWS including identification of local and regional WRM problems; and establishment of institutions responsible for financing, operation and management of UWS systems. Consideration is also given to the potential for the phased introduction of private sector involvement in the financing, operation and management of UWS systems.