Integrated Water Resources Management in the Seputih Sekampung River Basin, Indonesia: Challenges Strategies and Institutional Synergy

The Seputih Sekampung River Basin in Lampung Province, Indonesia, represents a nationally strategic watershed facing multifaceted challenges, including critical land degradation, water deficits, declining water quality, and competing demands across sectors. This study aims to formulate an integrated water resources management (IWRM) strategy that addresses the complex hydrological, ecological, and institutional dynamics of the basin. A qualitative-analytical approach was adopted by synthesizing hydrometeorological data, land use analysis, stakeholder consultations, and a review of relevant water governance policies. The analysis revealed that 29.2% of the basin area is categorized as critical land, contributing significantly to erosion and reduced groundwater recharge, while 10 of the 37 water districts are experiencing seasonal water scarcity, exacerbated by uncoordinated usage and weak institutional control. The presence of overlapping responsibilities among agencies and limited stakeholder involvement further undermines effective resource management. Based on scenario planning aligned with projected economic growth, a high-growth strategy was identified as the most viable, emphasizing watershed conservation, efficient allocation of water resources, strengthened flood and drought mitigation infrastructure, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration. This research offers valuable insight into the design of adaptive and participatory water governance models, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable watershed management in rapidly developing tropical regions under environmental stress.