Watershed Rehabilitation Program related to the Management of River and Reservoir Sedimentation in Indonesia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Problems of sedimentation in Indonesia are basically caused by population problems (i.e., high population density, high population growth and unequal distribution) and improper use of the land without appropriate soil conservation measures. The erosion rate on dry land reached nearly 4 cm a year and a t present 8.5 million hectares are considered as critical lands. The government of Indonesia has made great efforts to control soil erosion and sedimentation through the watershed rehabilitation program in 36 groups of priority watersheds based on Presidential Instruction Projects. Regreening projects on private lands have involved more than 1.95 million hectares and reforestation projects on state forest areas have an annual target of about 300 000 hectares. These projects have increased land productivity, provided more permanent labor opportunities and have been investigated as economically feasible actions. The government h a s created, with ample funds, a large field organization as a culminatio...