Addressing ecosystem, sedimentation and collaborative approaches challenges in Jatibarang reservoir: A path towards sustainable water management

The 2024 World Water Forum in Bali highlighted urgent challenges in water resource management, particularly for developing countries grappling with climate change, urbanization, and rising demands for clean water. The Forum emphasized the need for integrated and sustainable management approaches to secure long-term water availability while protecting ecosystems. In this context, our study focuses on Jatibarang Reservoir in Semarang, a vital infrastructure for flood control and raw water supply, which is now threatened by severe sedimentation. Current data indicate that the reservoir’s operational lifespan has diminished to 21.1 years, well below the projected 50 years, due to an annual sediment load of 653,977.32 tons. Exacerbating the issue is a top-down management approach that limits community engagement and prioritizes flood control over comprehensive, sustainable practices. Through a qualitative case study, we explore ecological impacts, technical catchment characteristics, and institutional collaboration among key stakeholders. Our findings reveal inadequate sediment management and poor stakeholder cooperation, underscoring the need for a shift to collaborative governance. We recommend legal frameworks for community-based management, green technologies for sediment control, and stronger partnerships. These strategies aim to extend the reservoir's lifespan and ensure sustainable water resource management, aligning with the Forum’s global call for action.