The Urgency of Water Resources Management in Supporting Sustainable Development: Comparisons from Australia and South Africa

Abstract

Objective: This article reports the identification of water resource management practices that support sustainable development in Indonesia. It also compares Indonesian policies on water resource management to Australia and South Africa. The study reveals the significance of water resource management due to its influence on climate change, population growth, and the increasing demand for domestic and non-domestic water. The study also emphasizes prioritization of water usage with a focus on prioritizing basic needs over business requirements.   Theoretical framework: Water resource management is crucial due to its impact on climate change, population growth, and the increasing demand for domestic and non-domestic water. The utilization of water should be prioritized based on a hierarchical scale, where basic needs take precedence over business requirements.   Method: This study adopts a legal research methodology, obtaining legal sources through a literature review. In addition, a legislative and comparative approach is employed to compare water management regulations and policies in Indonesia, Australia, and South Africa.   Results and conclusion: The study identifies the importance of regulating water resource management. Based on the findings, sustainable water resource management is contingent upon several factors, including a country's natural conditions and the governance framework for water resources. The legal system and the type of government also influence water management planning.   Originality/value: The originality and value of this study lie in its primary focus on water resource management as a supportive instrument for sustainable development, utilizing a comparative study of Indonesia, Australia, and South Africa.