Integrated Water Resources Management

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The water resources of the rivers and groundwater systems in the Citarum River Basin are critical to social and economic development of the country. They are essential for urban and industrial development (particularly in Jakarta and Bandung areas) including export industry, agricultural production through major irrigation systems, rural water supplies, electricity generation though hydropower, and fisheries. While the water resources of the Citarum River Basin are relatively abundant, competition for these resources has increased significantly over the past 20 years leading to a situation of acute water stress and depletion of aquifers in some places. Rapid urbanization has significantly increased the exposure to flood risk.

Environmental degradation has reached a level that compromises public health and livelihoods, particularly for the urban and rural poor, and incurs additional economic and financial costs related to the source of bulk water supply and its treatment.

A management focus on integrated water resources management (IWRM) and sustainability of the water resource has been emphasized in the 2004 Water Law. The Water Law introduces the concept of management within the boundaries of a river basin and reflects the principles of decentralization and devolvement of authority to local levels as promoted by the program of regional autonomy.

IWRM is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems (Global Water Partnership-Technical Advisory Committee, 2000).