Analysis of the Impact of Land Use Change on Water Management Balance East Sinjai Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of land use change in East Sinjai Sub-district on the Kalamisu River Watershed and evelop water management strategies to balance availability with population needs. Utilizing GIS methods with ArcGIS 10.8 and Landsat satellite imagery, land use change in East Sinjai District was examined. Additionally, water infiltration capacity analysis considered factors such as rock type, rainfall, soil type, slope, and land use. Reference materials include the Technical Guidebook for Groundwater Management (DESDM Geological Agency, 2007) and the Regulation of the Minister of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia No. P.32/MENHUTII/2009 on Procedures for the Preparation of RTkRHL-DAS. The study's outcomes will feed into a SWOT analysis to craft a management strategy for the area over the next decade. This research aims to contribute positively to the Sinjai Regency government and enhance scientific discourse on water governance and spatial management. Qualitative analysis was employed to elucidate the area's physical condition and analyze quantitative data and information pertinent to resource management processes and water management strategies. Primary data from satellite image interpretation and interviews supplemented by secondary data were utilized for problem identification and data analysis. The analysis indicates a substantial increase in land use in East Sinjai Sub-district from 2012 to 2017, notably in residential areas, with a rise of 136.6 hectares due to a population surge of 58,986 people. Water infiltration in the Kalamisu River watershed is critically low. Water availability in East Sinjai District has notably decreased by -4,658,505 cubic meters per year from 2012 to 2022. To enhance groundwater absorption capacity and availability, promoting the use of high water-absorbent plantation land is essential. Additionally, developing mangrove areas is crucial for improving water infiltration, particularly in quality and quantity, especially during dry seasons.