Wetland conversion and local goverment's role :: The case of Central Java

RACHMAN, Arif, Dr. Yonosuke Hara

2008 | Tesis | S2 Magister Ekonomika Pembangunan

Wetland conversion from agricultural to non agricultural use has emerged in Central Java since the past of three decades. That phenomenon has passed rapidly in the scope of vibrant of development as the impact of Indonesian economics transformation from agricultural to industrial country. In average, per year around 3,053 ha of total wetlands in Central Java were converted since 1985-2006. Simple irrigation wetland and rainfed-wetland is the largest converted wetland compared with the other irrigated wetland. There are two reasons why wetland conversion happens, economic and government’s role. As natural process, wetland conversion is influenced by several economic factors. The negative growth of farmer exchange rate will stimulate the increase of wetland conversion. The increases of wetland conversion also emerged, if growth of GRDP and population are positive. The other reason is the weakness of regulation implemented by local government. Inexistence of strong regulation and special agency is reason of government’s disability to prevent wetland conversion. Presence of qualified regulation like Nougyousinnkouchiiki seibi hou which is implemented in Japan is needed. Any how from past experience it could be suggested that in order to arrange the strong regulation, participation from local community is totally needed. The other suggestion is necessity of establishment a special agency to implement the regulation.

Kata Kunci : Wetland conversion,Peran pemerintah daerah