Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara Water Emergency

At present, water availability in Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara is in the red zone or prone zone. The statement was delivered by the General Chair of the Indonesian Hydrology Society (HMI), Dr. Ir. Mohammad Hasan, Dipl. HE at the Sustainable Water International Seminar on Thursday (1/24) at the Thoyib Hadiwijaya Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Dramaga IPB Campus, Bogor.

Dr. Hasan said that the availability of water per capita on the island of Java is only 1200 m3 / capita / year or far below the minimum water supply requirement of 1600 m3 / capita / year.

“This condition is caused by urbanization activities. The population on Java is dense, but the water available to the population is very minimal, “said Dr. Hasan.

The small condition of water availability causes water scarcity in some areas on the island of Java. Water scarcity is usually experienced by people in July to November, which is the dry season. The peak of water scarcity occurred in September.

In 2030, he continued, the population living in urban areas on the island of Java will increase to 60 percent while currently it has reached 52 percent. This increase in population needs to be taken seriously by all parties, in relation to maintaining water availability for the population.

“This water management seminar will discuss water management in the future. Discussion like this is very important because water is an important component of our lives, “said Prof. Dr. Ir. Iskandar Z Siregar, M.For.Sc, IPB International Program Director when opening the seminar.

According to him, the issue of clean water and sanitation is an important issue that must be addressed immediately. The issue is one point from seventeen points in a sustainable development program at the global level.

In an effort to maintain water availability, there are challenges that need to be shared attention. These challenges include infrastructure development, urbanization activities, water pollution, climate change, land conversion and agricultural activities.

“To overcome this water problem, all parties must collaborate. Because this water does not only concern one aspect, but many aspects. As a university, IPB is ready to help in realizing sustainable water governance, “explained Prof. Iskandar.

Some strategies that can be done to overcome the water crisis are the development of water-friendly cities, optimization of water sources, improvement of water resources management. The source of water in question is all water sources that can be utilized by the community in meeting daily water needs such as rivers, springs, reservoirs and lakes.

Regarding the development of water-friendly cities, there are several efforts that can be made such as making permeable land surfaces so that water easily enters the land, allocating part of the land as rain gardens, maintaining river water cleanliness and quality, and building water-playing vehicles.

The activity of optimizing water sources is to make optimal use of these water sources. The water source also needs to be well managed so that pollution does not occur and can meet the needs of the community. (NR)