The challenges in implementing the environmental flow concept in Indonesia

Abstract

Environmental flow or ecological flow is a term used to define the minimum or optimal flow a stream should attain. It has begun to be adopted by many countries in the last two decades. Environmental flows contribute to freshwater conservation and all aspects it derives. Water for the environment is an aspect that plays an important role in maintaining sustainable development. However, environmental flow is still not well-known and not well-implemented in Indonesia, as indicated by its low research interest and minimal regulation in Indonesia. Therefore, this study shows the challenges of implementing the concept of environmental flow in Indonesia while at the same time also promotes the concept. This literature study highlights the typical issues of implementing the environmental flow policy reported from various countries. The global issues then compared to Indonesian characteristics. The factors that limit the implementation in Indonesia concluded as: competing priorities, lack of visibility, lack of awareness, and lack of data. These limitations become challenges in conserving water for the ecosystem, especially when the Indonesian government still struggles to satisfy access to clean water and tackle the problems of water pollution. Despite the constraints and challenges, we must preserve freshwater systems to achieve sustainable development.