The simplified asset management plan for a sustainable future: indonesia’s irrigation systems

Abstract

Agricultural irrigation plays a fundamental role in ensuring the food security and economy of rural communities. However, irrigation systems in many developing countries suffer from low performance, which eventually adversely affects their sustainability. To gain a more in-depth understanding of performance and sustainability in existing Indonesian irrigation systems, a set of assessment was conducted. This incorporated methods of Rapid Appraisal Process and Benchmarking, an opinion survey, and an asset survey. A triple-bottom line (TBL) sustainability assessment was also conducted to determine the levels of sustainability and performance shortfall, as well as their causes. Based on the results, a set of physical and managerial changes were proposed to improve irrigation system performance and sustainability. The viability of the proposed changes was assessed further through a stakeholder’s opinion survey and against three key sustainability issues of a TBL sustainability indicator framework: technical and economic, social, institutional and legal issue, and environmental, public health and safety. The purpose was to fi nd an alternative and robust solution that was also preferred by stakeholders. Eventually, a simplifi ed asset management planning (AMP) model was developed, which would enable water user associations to implement independently and easily. The AMP, consisting of budget planning and short-term planning, was also based on the robust preferred priorities of improving irrigation performance and sustainability.