UNDIP, Semarang – Reservoir management is a complex challenge encompassing both physical (biotic and abiotic environments) and non-physical aspects (stakeholders and institutional structures). Dr. Churun A’in, S.Pi., M.Si., a lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), Universitas Diponegoro, presented an innovative approach in her research titled “Management Strategy for the Jatibarang Reservoir Area in Semarang City Based on Ecosystem Service Values with a Collaborative Adaptive Management Approach.”
Dr. Churun A’in, who also serves as the Secretary of the Aquaculture Undergraduate Study Program at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences UNDIP, specializes in aquatic and coastal resource management. Her research aims to formulate ecosystem-based management strategies using a collaborative adaptive management approach to ensure the sustainability and existence of the Jatibarang Reservoir (WJB) and its ecosystem services.
The research was conducted in two phases: the ecological phase and the socio-economic phase. The ecological phase involved collecting physical, ecological, and technical data on the Jatibarang Reservoir. The study area covered the Garang Watershed and the Jatibarang Reservoir, with three research stations: upstream, reservoir, and downstream. The parameters analyzed included water productivity, trophic status, sedimentation rate, carrying capacity, and pollution load.
The socio-economic phase examined the administrative areas around the Jatibarang Reservoir to understand community participation, institutional structures, and the economic value of ecosystem services. Respondents included residents, users, managers, and government agencies.
The strategy formulation utilized SWOT analysis and Multipol to determine priority actions and policies.
The key findings underscored ecological conditions where the water productivity ranged from 91.24 to 456.26 g C/m²/year. Trophic status: Mesotrophic to mildly eutrophic. Fish carrying capacity: 33.57 tons/year. The economic value of ecosystem services, including the total ecosystem service value of the Jatibarang Reservoir, was estimated at IDR 10.655 billion per year.
“Through Multipol analysis, mitigation strategies emerged as the top priority, emphasizing the strengthening of green belt policies and watershed management. This includes implementing eco-friendly technologies such as phytotechnology and enhancing institutional frameworks,” explained Dr. Churun A’in.
The research produced a strategy model based on collaborative adaptive management, aligning with the sustainable management needs of the Jatibarang Reservoir. Key strategies included bolstering mitigation efforts and fostering synergy between government entities, communities, and stakeholders.
“This research is expected to serve as a reference for comprehensive reservoir and watershed management, supporting ecosystem preservation and providing socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities,” stated Dr. Churun A’in.
Dr. Churun A’in emphasized that collaboration is the cornerstone of successful reservoir management strategies, focusing not only on technical aspects but also on enhancing community participation and institutional management.
“Active collaboration between the government and reservoir user communities is hoped to sustain ecosystem services and reduce the risk of environmental degradation in the future,” she concluded. (DHW)
