Strengthening Urban Water Resilience in Jambi City: Analysis of Issues and Policy Alternatives

Abstract

Water security is a strategic issue in urban development that directly affects the fulfillment of basic community needs, environmental sustainability, and regional social and economic stability. In the city of Jambi, population growth dynamics, urbanization, land use changes, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change have increased pressure on water resource systems. This situation is reflected in the increasing demand for clean water, high dependence on surface water sources, declining raw water quality, and limitations in water service management and infrastructure. This policy paper was prepared to analyze water security issues in Jambi City, identify the main contributing factors, and formulate alternative policies that can be implemented effectively and sustainably. The analysis was conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach through a review of policies and planning documents, secondary data, and relevant previous research results. Water security is positioned as a cross-sectoral public policy issue related to spatial planning, environmental management, basic service provision, and adaptation to climate change. The results of the study show that water security issues in Jambi City stem not only from physical limitations of water resources, but also from weak cross-sectoral policy integration, suboptimal institutional coordination, and low community participation in water conservation efforts. These conditions have prevented clean water management and hydrometeorological risk control efforts from running optimally and sustainably. Based on an analysis of policy alternatives, this policy paper recommends the implementation of integrated and sustainable urban water security management policies as the main policy. This policy emphasizes strengthening cross-sectoral governance, protecting water resources and catchment areas, improving the quality and equitable distribution of clean water services, and strengthening capacity to adapt to climate change. These policy recommendations are expected to serve as a reference for local governments in formulating and implementing more effective, adaptive, and long-term sustainability-oriented water security management policies in the city of Jambi.