Regulation of Water Resources to Guarantee the Right to Availability of Water in the Karst Area of Maros-Pangkep, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The Decree of the Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, Number SK 398/Menhut-II/2004, dated October 18, 2004, converted the Maros Pangkep karst area to the Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park (Babul National Park). Karst and Babul National Park depend on rainwater absorbed by subsurface rivers. Babul National Park has integrated water management, although water supply and security are still threats. This study analyzes the harmonization and synergy of water policy with community requirements in the Maros-Pangkep Karst area, where residents rely largely on underground rivers. This study utilizes empirical legal research. (1) The Babul National Park manager distinguishes between the use of water as mass and as energy, and the surrounding community must seek for a permit for the latter. In the implementation process, the permission did not fully comply with the existing standards, notably the Minister of Environment and Forestry Number P.18/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/4/2019 governing the use of water and energy in wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks, Grand Forests, and Nature Tourism Parks. (2) Because legal enforcement hasn’t deterred forest destroyers, this will undermine forest conservation and the importance of forests in water management.