Mapping of Energy Needs and Biofuel Producing Potential in the Mamasa Watershed, Indonesia

Abstract

Upper-middle, and high-income countries continue to experience an increase in population, this is followed by an increase not only in food needs but also in energy needs. However, on the other hand, the decline in environmental quality continues to occur, such as a decrease in air and water quality and an increase in critical land. The area that needs attention is the Mamasa watershed ecosystem, the upstream area of the Saddang watershed, a priority watershed for restoration in Indonesia. Supposedly, the Mamasa Watershed should be a protected area, but currently, there are many activities marked by the existence of the center of the Mamasa capital. This study aims to map the community’s energy needs and analyze the potential for alternative fuels in the Mamasa watershed which are expected to be considered for the management of the Mamasa watershed based on the development of alternative energy sources in the future. The research method was carried out using a geographic information system (GIS) supplemented by surveys and literature studies. The survey was conducted through direct interviews with the community to identify the source and quantity of energy, and to analyze its relationship with the socio-economic characteristics of the community using chi-square. Furthermore, analysis of land suitability to identify the potential and directions for biofuel cultivation. The results showed that people in the Mamasa watershed still predominantly use firewood as an energy source. The chi-square test results show a significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their level of energy consumption, except for the number of dependents. The middle and downstream parts of the Mamasa watershed are potential locations for Nyamplung development. As for the middle section, there is potential for Kemiri Sunan, which can meet the community’s need for firewood and has the potential to rehabilitate critical land in the Mamasa watershed.