Key Findings
Overcapacity of KJA Units Jatiluhur Reservoir currently faces serious issues related to the overcapacity of Floating Net Cages (KJA). The number of KJA units in the reservoir has reached 23,000, far exceeding the optimal capacity of 19,401 units. This situation has caused excessive ecological burdens on the reservoir, resulting in a significant decline in water quality. Water pollution generated from fish feed waste and metabolites accelerates the eutrophication process, disrupting the balance of the aquatic ecosystem and endangering the sustainability of aquaculture activities in the future.
Diverse Stakeholder Perceptions Stakeholders involved in KJA management in Jatiluhur Reservoir have varying perceptions regarding the issues faced and the best ways to address them. These differences include views on environmental quality, the ideal number of KJA units, and effective management methods. This variation complicates the decision-making process and goal alignment, often hindering the implementation of necessary policies to address the environmental and social issues arising from KJA activities.
Institutional Coordination Issues One of the main challenges in managing KJA in Jatiluhur Reservoir is the lack of direct coordination between Perum Jasa Tirta II (PJTII) and fishery extension officers. PJTII, as the main manager of the reservoir, does not have a close relationship with fishery extension officers who are supposed to play a crucial role in providing education and guidance to fish farmers. As a result, the management efforts for aquaculture activities are less effective, and many potential innovative solutions cannot be fully implemented.
Regulatory Framework The existing regulations related to KJA management in Jatiluhur Reservoir are comprehensive, covering various technical and operational aspects. However, these regulations are often unclear and inconsistently enforced. The lack of enforcement has resulted in many violations going unaddressed, such as the number of KJA units exceeding the reservoir's carrying capacity. This weakness in regulatory implementation exacerbates environmental degradation and reduces the effectiveness of current management efforts.
With a clearer understanding of these key findings, it is hoped that more strategic steps can be taken to address the challenges of KJA management in Jatiluhur Reservoir, ensuring the sustainability of the reservoir ecosystem, and improving the welfare of the surrounding communities.
Policy Recommendations
Reduce and Regulate KJA Units The first step to be taken is to reduce the number of KJA units in Jatiluhur Reservoir to the optimal capacity that has been determined. To achieve this, immediate and firm actions are required to lower the current number of KJA units from 23,000 to 19,401 units. Regulatory enforcement should be tightened by limiting the issuance of new licenses for KJA and ensuring compliance with established limits through regular monitoring. This reduction will help lessen the ecological burden on the reservoir and improve the already degraded water quality.
Strengthen Institutional Coordination Building a consultative relationship between Perum Jasa Tirta II (PJTII), fishery extension officers, and fish farming groups is crucial to enhance communication and cooperation among institutions. This can be achieved by holding regular joint meetings and training sessions to align management objectives and practices. Better coordination will allow each party to share information and strategies, ultimately strengthening overall KJA management efforts and ensuring more sustainable aquaculture practices.
Enhance Regulatory Clarity and Enforcement Existing regulations need to be clarified and strictly enforced. This includes revising regional regulations (Perda) to reflect current environmental needs and ensuring that the regulations are easy to understand and implement. Enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened with strict penalties for non-compliance. By doing so, it is hoped that compliance with regulations will increase, and the negative impacts of KJA activities on the environment will be minimized.
Promote Sustainable Practices The adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices should be encouraged through various means. Reducing the use of fish feed, avoiding materials that can potentially pollute the environment, and implementing sedimentation control measures are some examples of practices that can be adopted. The government and related parties can provide incentives for KJA operators who comply with environmentally friendly practices, such as technical assistance or tax relief. With these incentives, it is expected that KJA operators will be more motivated to maintain the environmental sustainability of the reservoir.
