A 2022 World Bank report highlights that the global population has surpassed 7.9 billion and continues to rise annually. This growth contrasts sharply with the availability of clean water. Indonesia, in particular, is projected to face a clean water crisis by 2040, necessitating special measures to prevent shortages.
UGM hydrology expert and Dean of the Vocational College (SV UGM), Professor Agus Maryono, has introduced the Rainwater Harvesting Movement of Indonesia and the River Restoration Movement of Indonesia as potential solutions.
Professor Maryono states rainwater can be an alternative water source, especially considering Indonesia’s two-season climate.
“Groundwater shouldn’t just be pumped, used, and measured, but also conserved. One way to conserve it is through rainwater harvesting,” Professor Maryono explained to reporters on Saturday (May 23).
Professor Maryono pointed out that rainwater during the rainy season is often directed to drainage channels without any reprocessing efforts despite Indonesia’s average annual rainfall of 2,000-3,000 millimeters. Converting and injecting rainwater into the ground can improve the quality and quantity of groundwater.
Professor Maryono also discussed river restoration efforts in addition to rainwater harvesting. Rivers play a crucial role in providing clean water for communities. Unfortunately, many rivers in Indonesia suffer from pollution and poor maintenance.
To address this, Professor Maryono proposes five concepts for river restoration: hydrological, ecological, morphological, socio-economic, and institutional and regulatory restoration.
He mentioned that these solutions have been successfully implemented in various communities for years. Tegalrejo District in Yogyakarta and Glintung in Malang are pioneers of the Rainwater Harvesting Movement. Tegalrejo’s commitment to this innovation has earned it the title of Rain-Friendly Village.
Professor Maryono presented these solutions at the international workshop “Groundwater Sustainability in Indonesia: A Scoping Study to Pilot a Participatory Groundwater Management Approach” held in Jakarta on May 7-8, 2024. The workshop addressed issues with clean water availability and management in Indonesia.
The two-day workshop was a collaboration among several institutions, including Western Sydney University, the Indonesian National Committee of UNESCO’s International Hydrology Program (IHP), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), and the Center for Limnology and Water Resources Research (PRLSDA). The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was the main sponsor through the Australian Water Partnership (AWP).
Professor Maryono’s participation in the international workshop underscores UGM’s commitment to producing sustainable technological and scientific innovations. Raising awareness about the impending clean water crisis is crucial for fostering wise water usage habits in the community.
“A water crisis will occur due to climate change. Communities will increasingly depend on water from public utilities, which eventually may not meet their needs. I hope the government can design ways to maximize rainwater for community use,” Professor Maryono concluded.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson