JAKARTA – Seeing firsthand the conservation process based on Watersheds (DAS) and the implementation of the Environmental Services Payment (PJL) scheme developed by AQUA Klaten with partners in Sub-watersheds, Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency of the Republic of Indonesia visited the AQUA Klaten Biodiversity Park (Kehati) and Conservation Areas in Gumuk Hamlet, Mriyan, Boyolali.
Conservation of water resources is one of the government’s long-term focuses. For this reason, the Ministry of Environment consistently encourages various integrated, inclusive and sustainable conservation efforts.
During his visit, Dr. Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, Minister of Environment/Head of the Environmental Control Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, appreciated the multi-party collaboration in carrying out efforts to manage water resources in a sub-DAS Pusur area.
“The implementation of the PJL scheme in Pusur sub-DAS involves multi-party active participation, where good collaboration exists between community groups such as the Pusur Institute, industry players such as AQUA, the Boyolali Regency government, as well as the Klaten Regency government, forms a smooth synergy in conservation efforts. Conservation of natural resources from upstream to downstream is very important, because the ecosystem is interconnected. I hope that the PJL scheme involving various sectors like this can be discale-up and replicated in various other regions in Indonesia, “he explained, in a written statement, Saturday, April 19.
On this occasion, the Ministry of Environment at the same time introduced the Regulation of the Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia Number 2 of 2025 concerning the Development of the Environmental Services Payment System. This regulation is expected to increase multi-party participation in efforts to utilize effective and sustainable resources.
Vera Galuh Sugijanto, VP General Secretary of Danone Indonesia said that the collective action of managing integrated water resources from upstream to downstream initiated by AQUA reinforces the company’s determination to help the government create environmental sustainability.
We realize that encouraging sustainability is an important step to have a real impact on environmental and community sustainability. This is in line with the company’s commitment as stated in the second pillar of the Danone Impact Journey, preserving the environment. To make it happen, AQUA is consistently actively involved in managing integrated water resources from upstream to downstream in a number of watersheds (DAS) in our region carrying out operational activities, including the application of the PJL approach in the Pusur sub-DAS, Klaten. This PJL scheme provides incentives to people who play an active role in conserving natural resources while ensuring the maintenance of water availability,” explained Vera.
PJL encourages collaboration between industry, society and institutions to maintain water availability through incentives for integrated conservation practices. This scheme has been initiated by AQUA with local governments, NGO partners and communities in various sub-watershed areas such as Cicatih, West Java; Kedungbaran, East Java; Rejoso, East Java; Ayung, Bali; and Pusur, Central Java.
The PJL approach gives appreciation to people who apply techniques such as infiltration wells, rorak, organic fertilizers, and agroforestry. The industry contributes through financial support and/or something that can be assessed with money, while NGO partners bridge coordination between parties and determine incentive values based on factors such as land ownership, planting patterns, and types of conservation carried out.
Agus Irawan, Boyolali Regent, said this program is not only about providing incentives, but also encourages awareness and agricultural practices upstream that are able to prevent erosion and maintain a balance of groundwater downstream.
“In addition to having a positive impact on the ecosystem, this program is also economically beneficial. Moreover, the discharge of springs around the conservation area has succeeded in showing a more stable trend than in previous years. We hope that more people and farmers will be involved in this initiative, and can be replicated in other conservation areas,” said Agus.
On the same occasion, Hawin Wajar Ismoyo, Klaten Regent, said that good collaboration and cooperation between local governments and industry players and all elements of society is needed to maintain the sustainability of water resources.
“So don’t let us be complacent and not protect the water from the source,” he explained.
AQUA together with the Pusur Institute carry out integrated conservation efforts in areas along Pusur sub-DAS. The initiatives that have been carried out in upstream areas include the development of the Tamansari Conservation District, the construction of infiltration wells, biopore holes and the construction of Embung Tirta Mulya in Boyolali Regency. In the central region, several efforts have been made, including the implementation of environmentally friendly agriculture and improvement of irrigation networks, as well as in the downstream area, the ‘Revitalization of Jogo Toya Kalyan’ conservation program together with the Irigation Volunteer Forum.
In line with our commitment, AQUA believes that sustainability and business efforts must continue to go hand in hand. Multi-party collaboration is the key to realizing integrated water resource ecosystem management from upstream to downstream. We believe that consistent efforts made by involving many parties can increase positive contributions to conservation and a more sustainable environment,” concluded Vera.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language.
(system supported by DigitalSiber.id)