Abstract
Jatiluhur Reservoir plays a vital role in providing raw water, irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control, tourism activities, and as a center for aquaculture through Floating Net Cages (KJA). However, uncontrolled KJA activities have caused excessive ecological burdens, leading to a decline in water quality in the reservoir. The institutional management of KJA poses significant challenges, especially in terms of inter-agency coordination and regulatory enforcement. This study identifies the main issues and urgency in KJA management and provides policy recommendations that can be implemented to achieve sustainable management. The findings highlight the need to reduce the number of KJA units, enhance institutional coordination, clarify and enforce regulations, promote sustainable aquaculture practices, and align stakeholder perceptions to address these issues.
Background
Main Issues
Jatiluhur Reservoir is one of the largest and most important reservoirs in Indonesia, providing various economic and environmental benefits, and serving as a center for aquaculture through Floating Net Cages (KJA). However, the management of KJA in Jatiluhur Reservoir faces significant challenges, primarily due to the ecological carrying capacity of the reservoir being exceeded. Currently, the number of KJA units in Jatiluhur Reservoir reaches 23,000, far exceeding the optimal number of 19,401 units. This has led to a decline in water quality in the reservoir, potentially threatening the sustainability of aquaculture and other functions of the reservoir.
Urgency
The main urgent issue to be addressed is the institutional management of KJA in Jatiluhur Reservoir. Poorly coordinated institutions, unclear regulations, and differing stakeholder perceptions are major obstacles to achieving sustainable management. If not addressed immediately, the degradation of water quality will continue to increase, threatening the reservoir's ecosystem and ultimately harming the economy of communities dependent on KJA. Therefore, effective institutional arrangements and inter-agency coordination are urgently needed to address this issue and ensure the sustainability of water resources and aquaculture activities in Jatiluhur Reservoir.
Context
Jatiluhur Reservoir plays a multifaceted role, including providing raw water, irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control, and as a site for tourism and aquaculture. However, uncontrolled KJA activities have put significant pressure on the reservoir's ecosystem. Various parties involved in reservoir management, including Perum Jasa Tirta II (PJTII), the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, local governments, and fish farming groups, have different roles and responsibilities. Unfortunately, the lack of coordination and differing perceptions among them often hinder effective decision-making.
Existing regulations related to KJA management, such as West Java Provincial Regulation No. 14 of 2002 and Purwakarta Regency Regulation No. 6 of 2010, are in place but weakly implemented. These regulations need to be clarified and strictly enforced to limit the number of KJA units and ensure that aquaculture activities do not harm the environment. Additionally, there needs to be closer relationships between PJTII, fishery extension officers, and aquaculture groups to increase awareness and adoption of sustainable practices.
Overall, the institutional management issues of KJA in Jatiluhur Reservoir encompass regulatory, inter-agency coordination, and environmental awareness issues. Better institutional arrangements and stronger coordination among all related parties are key to addressing these problems and achieving sustainable management goals.
