Community-based irrigation management in Indonesia (Case study: Musi Rawas Regency, Bandung Regency, and Soppeng Regency)

Abstract

Abstract Indonesia is an agricultural country that relies on the food sector.Irrigation infrastructure plays an important role to support the sector. It is therefore the sustainability of irrigation is vital. Community-based management of irrigation has been developed in Indonesia to support the development, operation, and and maintenance of irrigation. The aim of this study is to explore community-based irrigation management to support the sustainability of irrigation infrastructure. Three locations were choosed as case study; Musi Rawas, Bandung, and Soppeng Regency. The data analysis method used is qualitative analysis. The results of this study indicate that community groups are involved in determining irrigation development, such as holding public consultations, site selection, surveys, land acquisition, cooperation, operation, and maintenance. However, this community group does not yet have a robust organizational role because it has not provided rules, sanctions, or solutions to solve problems in the field. In addition, there is a lack of government support for community groups. Realizing a sustainable community-based irrigation system requires a high role of the community in irrigation management and support from the government in supporting the capacity of community groups and financing participatory activities.