Shifting waters: The dynamics of water grabbing in Lake Toba through aquaculture and tourism development

This article examines the dynamics of water grabbing in Lake Toba, Indonesia, focusing on how corporate aquaculture and emerging tourism developments have reshaped access to and control over water resources. Drawing on previous studies, policy analysis, and semi-structured interviews with local net fishermen, workers from the aquaculture company in Lake Toba, NGO representatives, and government officials, the study reveals how legal permits, regulatory loopholes, and state-corporate alliances have enabled large-scale aquaculture operations to dominate lake space, marginalizing traditional fishing communities and degrading water quality. While small-scale local aquaculture faces increasing restrictions, corporate actors remain largely protected, illustrating systemic regulatory bias. In recent years, tourism-led development has introduced a new layer of water grabbing, as conservation narratives and spatial zoning are used to justify the displacement of local water users in favor of infrastructure for international sporting events and leisure industries. The case of Lake Toba demonstrates how water grabbing extends beyond agriculture and hydropower to include sectors like aquaculture and tourism, operating through a combination of legal, institutional, and symbolic mechanisms. The authors suggest addressing water grabbing challenges in Lake Toba requires more than just policy revisions; it demands strict and fair enforcement, along with governance reforms that prioritize community rights and needs.