In the heart of Indonesia, the Citarum Watershed is a lifeline for millions, providing water, supporting agriculture, and sustaining ecosystems. But rapid land use changes are altering this delicate balance, with profound implications for the energy sector and beyond. A recent study, led by Irmadi Nahib from the Natural Resources and Environmental Management Science (NREMS) Study Program at IPB University and the Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources, BRIN, sheds light on these transformations and their impacts on ecosystem services.
Over the past decade, the Citarum Watershed has witnessed significant shifts in land use and land cover (LULC). Bare and shrubland areas have expanded by a staggering 88.37%, while agricultural lands have increased by 2.25%. Conversely, forest land and lakes have declined, with forests shrinking by 0.78% and lakes by 0.09%. These changes are not merely statistical; they have tangible effects on the ecosystem services that underpin the region’s economy and energy infrastructure.
The study, published in Caraka Tani: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture (which translates to ‘Farmer’s Friend: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture’), reveals that water yield and carbon storage have decreased by 15.01% and 4.98%, respectively. Meanwhile, soil conservation has increased by 12.03%. Overall, the total ecosystem services (TES) have declined by 7.54%, with the downstream region experiencing the steepest reduction at 17.70%.
These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated land-use planning strategies. “The imbalance between land use intensity and ecosystem services is a critical issue,” Nahib explains. “We need to promote sustainability and restore ecosystem balance to ensure the long-term viability of the Citarum Watershed.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Hydropower, a crucial component of Indonesia’s energy mix, relies heavily on consistent water yield. A decline in water yield could lead to reduced power generation, affecting energy security and economic stability. Moreover, changes in carbon storage and soil conservation can impact the region’s resilience to climate change, further complicating energy planning and infrastructure development.
The study’s coupling coordination analysis highlights the spatial relationship between land use intensity and ecosystem services, revealing that 65 to 68% of sub-districts in the watershed are imbalanced. This underscores the need for targeted, localized interventions to restore ecological harmony.
As Indonesia continues to develop, the lessons from the Citarum Watershed can guide future land-use planning and energy policy. By integrating ecological considerations into decision-making processes, stakeholders can ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability. The research by Nahib and colleagues serves as a clarion call for a more balanced approach to development, one that prioritizes the health of our ecosystems and the services they provide.
The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field by emphasizing the need for holistic, ecosystem-based approaches to land use and energy planning. As Nahib puts it, “We must strive for a future where economic development and environmental conservation go hand in hand.” This research provides a roadmap for achieving that vision, offering valuable insights for policymakers, energy providers, and conservationists alike.