Understanding informal mechanisms in integrated urban water management (IUWM): Evidence from Makassar, Indonesia

A paradigm shift from segregated water management to an integrated approach is receiving increasing attention since fragmentation affects urban water availability. Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) may enhance coordination between policies and actors, thereby establishing internal and external coherence for the efficient use of water resources, equitable and universal water distribution, and environmental conservation. However, studies on understanding urban water integration tend to focus on formal and structural forms without exploring informal processes as a broader perspective to achieve water sustainability. Meanwhile, non-prescribed, non-official rules and actions can be fundamental to overcoming fragmentation in urban water management. Therefore, this study explores informal mechanisms for pursuing an integrated approach to urban water management in Indonesia. Makassar is selected as a case study because of its variety of urban water issues and rich context of informal actions. The case offers lessons for other cities in Indonesia and beyond. We ask the following main questions: What informal actions facilitate internal and external integration in urban water management in Makassar, and how do these informal mechanisms affect Integrated Urban Water Management? The methodology comprises a qualitative content analysis to identify the mechanisms by analysing policy documents, reports, newspaper articles, social media, and previous studies. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders confirm and explain the content analysis results. The study finds that Makassar's IUWM approach extends beyond aligning formal mechanisms: informal processes determine water use conflicts, inadequate water access, and water scarcity. It is established that informal processes occur through Tudang sipulung , Ngopi and Silaturahmi for establishing conversation places, and Dana bergulir and Gotong-royong for fostering community contributions. This study argues that these conversations- and contribution-oriented informal mechanisms play an essential role in determining the success of integrated urban water management. Therefore, studies of IUWM must consider such informal mechanisms.