field of change - people’s stories on sustainable livelihood development

Field of ChangePeople’s Stories on Sustainable Livelihood Development

www.esp.or.id

Environmental Services Program (ESP) 2009

Field of Change

People’s Stories on Sustainable Livelihood Development

This publication intends to take the reader across Indonesia, from Aceh to Eastern Indonesia, to

share over fi ve years of experience from the Environmental Services Program (ESP). Each story

is written by an ESP partner, stakeholder, or staff member and relays their personal experience

working directly with ESP program activities. These voices from the fi eld introduce you to

their rural and urban communities, as well as their offi ces, treatment facilities, government

agencies, and municipal water companies.

The following fi eld stories have been carefully selected and pieced together to refl ect ESP’s

‘Ridge to Reef’ approach. This approach ensures the availability of clean water by protecting

upland sources, while working with water providers and users in the lowlands to increase access

to water and sanitation services. This ‘Ridge to Reef’ approach emphasizes the intersection

between the environment and health and, as a result, directly links upper watershed and

urban poor communities.

The structure of this publication illustrates this ESP approach. The fi rst National chapter

introduces program management approaches and cross-cutting components that make up

the backbone of ESP programming. This is followed by three chapters which take the reader

from upland Ridge, to intermediary Village, to lowland Reef.

Each chapter begins with an introduction to guide the reader through the selected stories. By

using local testimonies and pictures taken by stakeholders in the fi eld, these stories capture

the essence of ESP programming from every regional fi eld location. Read as a whole, all four

chapters are testament to how dynamic and innovative stakeholders have worked together

to secure safe and aff ordable water and sanitation while protecting and conserving the

environment.

Executive SummaryFrom Ridge to Reef

Editor-at-Large : Reed Merrill

Writers : ESP Team

Editors : Bryony Jones

Primatmojo Djanoe

Art Director : Irfan Toni Herlambang

Graphic Designer : Pryatin Mulyo Santoso

Research and Documentation : Siska Doviana

Field of Change

People’s Stories on Sustainable Livelihood Development

PAGE V

IntroductionESP Development Pathways

The Environmental Services Program (ESP) is a sixty-four month program (December 2004

through March 2010) funded by the United States Agency for International Development

(USAID) and implemented under the leadership of Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI). ESP

works with government, private sector, NGOs, community groups and other stakeholders

to promote better health through improved water resources management and expanded

access to clean water and sanitation services.

In Indonesia, approximately100,000 children die annually from diarrhea related diseases

and nearly one-third of Indonesia’s population lacks access to safe and aff ordable drinking.

Meanwhile, deforestation poses an alarming threat to biodiversity and the availability of

resources, including water. These realities cannot be tackled independently.

ESP developed an integrated ‘Ridge to Reef’ approach that recognizes the inextricable

connection between health and the environment. This approach ensures the availability of

clean water by protecting upland water sources (ridge), while working with water providers

and users in the lowlands (reef ) to promote access to water and sanitation.

To promote the holistic ‘Ridge to Reef’ approach, ESP focuses on four distinct components:

• Watershed Management and Biodiversity Conservation seeks to stabilize and improve the

supply of raw water by promoting sustainable land use practices;

• Environmental Service Delivery aims to improve the provision of services – including

water supply, sewerage, and solid waste – in the lowland population centers;

• Environmental Services Finance seeks to leverage necessary investment in infrastructure

and environmental service rewards; and

• Strategic Communications for Behavior Change stimulates awareness and action on ESP

issues from the individual, to the general public and national-level decision makers.

PAGE vi

ESP has implemented integrated program activities in most High Priority Provinces – including

Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, North Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java – in early 2005. ESP

work in Aceh has been more dynamic. Prior to developing the ESP integrated program approach

in mid 2006, the Aceh program was primarily focused on responding to 2004 tsunami relief,

recovery and reconstruction. In October 2008, ESP supplemented activities in Aceh to enhance

implementation of Aceh Green, a development vision that balances forest conservation and

sustainable land use with economic development and job creation, focusing specifi cally on ex-

combatants. In late 2008, ESP commenced activities in Papua and Eastern Indonesia. In Papua,

ESP supports the provincial government and their development of an eff ective Integrated Spatial

Plan that balances sustainable natural resources management with people-driven development.

In Eastern Indonesia – including Ambon, Manado, and Jaypura – ESP focuses on increasing

access to clean water and sanitation services.

ESP works with a wide range of stakeholders including the Government of Indonesia, the private

sector, NGOs, community groups and other stakeholders. The goal is to strengthen capacities to

advocate for expanded delivery of key environmental services and to expand opportunities for

participating more eff ectively in local management of those services.

ESP has developed a number of key approaches to achieve program objectives in an integrated

manner. These have been adapted to the cultural and ecological diff erences that occur across

Indonesia, yet the results have been uniform and of high quality. Three of the most prominent

approaches are Field Schools, Clean Green and Hygiene, and the Master Meter.

• Field Schools are an educational approach that makes use of a water ecology-based

Sustainable Livelihoods Development Assessment and Action Plans to help rural and urban

communities gain greater control over their livelihoods and the environment in which they

live.

• Clean Green and Hygiene (CGH) is an ESP approach that optimizes synergies between

solid waste management, clean water and sanitation infrastructure, re-greening, and hand

washing with soap activities to prevent diarrhea. ESP’s Clean Green and Hygiene approach

evolved to focus most signifi cantly through school programs.

• Master Meters are innovative partnerships between municipal water companies (PDAM)

and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that result in access of piped water for poor

communities. Once a contract is agreed upon with a CBO, a PDAM provides piped water

to a single point that ends at a bulk or Master Meter, and the CBO manages the household

piped network system.

The fi eld stories contained within this publication intend to facilitate an exchange of knowledge

and promote the continuation of successful approaches. Awareness and support must come

from local stakeholders, regional decision makers, and international partners embarking on

similar programs. Your support will facilitate the adaptation and rolling-out of signifi cant best

practices and lessons learned.

Most importantly, these stories would not exist without the enduring motivation and dedication

from all ESP stakeholders to work together. The ESP team would like to take this opportunity to

thank the many contributors who helped develop the fi eld stories contained in this publication:

local fi eld assistants, ESP regional staff , local benefi ciaries, the private sector, community-based

organizations, partner NGOs, and local, regional, and national government. Their cooperation

and determination has been the driving force behind ESP’s success.

It is our sincere intent for this publication to support the dialogue and commitment necessary

to foster sustainable development approaches in the future. Coupled with the ESP Partner’s

Directory, a reference of partner contacts, ESP hopes to mobilize continued cooperation for a

healthier and greener Indonesia.

National

Four Integrated Approaches for A Thriving Watershed 1

Master Meter System: Water Access as an Entry Point For Community Empowerment 3

Turning On The Taps With Micro-Credit 5

Schools As An Entry Point For Health and Hygiene Behavior Change 7

Monitoring And Evaluation: From The People, For The People 9

Gender Mainstreaming: Integrating Awareness Into Everyday Activities 11

ESP Internship Program: Transforming Knowledge Into Practice 13

STBM: Coordinating An Integrated National Sanitation Strategy 15

Ridge

Forestry Education: Maximizing Reforestation Results 19

Field School Graduates: Never Stop Learning From Nature 21

Curbing Deforestation With Village Ordinance 23

Multi-Party Approach: Linking Upstream And Downstream 25

A Nursery’s Success: Seedling Development In Aceh 27

Creating An Energy Independent Village: Community-Based Biogas Initiative 29

Putting People In The Plan: A “Swakelola” Approach To Spatial Planning 31

Information Resource Center: Promoting Transparency 33

Contents

PAGE viii

Village

Put Down The Guns, Pick Up The Pruning Shears: Cocoa Farming In Aceh 37

Field School Solutions: Raising Cattle Communally 39

Water Catchment Collaboration: Water Users Promote Conservation Eff orts 41

Local Water Regulation: Cultivating Understanding Through “Reboan” Forum 43

Living Problems: Field School Produces High Hopes 45

Building An Organization: Farmer Groups Develop Management Skills 47

Reef

The Urban Field School: Tackling Sanitation And Solid Waste 51

Responding to Customer Demands Water Companies Improve Their Image and

the Quality of Services 53

Building Doesn’t Guarantee Use: Sustainable Sanitation Facilities 55

Mad About Garbage: Leadership In Recycling 57

Hygiene Champions: Leading Sanitation Eff orts 59

Reducing Debt: Enabling Water Companies To Expand Services 61

An Environmental Education Curriculum Born Out Of Concern 63

National

The National chapter sets up the core foundation of ESP programming. It introduces ESP’s four

distinct components: Watershed Management and Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental

Service Delivery, Environmental Services Finance, and Strategic Communication for Behavior

Change. In addition to these four components, this chapter discusses two of ESP’s cross-

cutting technical support components, including Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

and Gender concerns. The ESP internship program story emphasizes the importance of

developing local capacity while the fi nal entry illustrates the complex nature of facilitating a

collaborative and eff ective National Strategy.

Across Indonesia, 30.3 million hectares of land is classifi ed as degraded,

while 6.9 million hectares of this total is classifi ed as critically degraded.

The impact of land degradation, especially in upstream watershed

areas, negatively eff ects the lives of upstream land stewards, as well as

downstream water users.

One of the main consequences of land degradation is a reduced supply of clean water in

water catchment regions known as watersheds. A watershed serves two important functions:

conserving biodiversity and controlling water quantity and quality.

Optimizing these watershed functions requires an integrated approach to watershed

management, including integrating policy, strategy selection, coordination, and implementation.

Sustainable land use eff orts must be tailored to support both local socio-economic and physical

environmental conditions.

Environmental expert and presidential adviser Emil Salim explained, “We shouldn’t rely on a

single government ministry for watershed management. Instead, all relevant ministries must

work together and jointly manage the watershed.”

In other words, downstream communities and stakeholders should understand that they too play an

important role in the conservation of downstream regions and the prevention of land degradation.

In addition, upstream communities should also be aware of the consequences of exploiting natural

resources in protected watershed areas. Both downstream and upstream stakeholders have a

strong incentive to work together to promote watershed conservation eff orts.

Four Integrated Approaches FOR A THRIVING WATERSHED

We shouldn’t rely on a single government

ministry for watershed management. Instead, all relevant ministries must work together

aded,

aded.

shed

We shouldn’t rely ona single government

ministry for watershedmanagement. Instead, all relevant ministries must work together“

“PAGE 2

To support this integrated, multi-stakeholder concept,

ESP and relevant parties have developed four watershed

management models. These include: (1) Payment for

Environmental Services (PES), (2) Conservation Village

Model (Model Desa Konservasi, or MDK), (3) Micro-

Watershed Model (Model DAS Mikro, or MDM), and (4)

E-DAS (E-watershed database system).

PES is a market-based approach to conservation based

on the principle that those who generate environmental

services should be compensated for providing them.

Those who benefi t from environmental services, such

as downstream buyers of clean water, are expected to

compensate upstream residents for measures taken to

safeguard and improve the watershed. In Magelang, for

example, the municipal water supply company has contributed over Rp. 800 million for three

years to directly support watershed conservation and rehabilitation activities.

The Conservation Village Model (MDK) is a program pioneered by the Ministry of Forestry,

aimed at combining conservation eff orts with welfare improvement activities for communities

living near protected forests or national parks. MDK activities, such as raising rabbits and goats,

composting, biogas production, and planting vegetation to prevent landslides and to provide

economic returns, are a collaboration of ESP and local community eff orts. The results speak for

themselves. ESP-mentored communities no longer cut timber within protected forest areas and

more importantly, they now have additional income.

To manage watersheds larger than 1,000 hectares, ESP and the central government implemented

a Micro-Watershed Model (MDM) that emphasizes the community’s active participation in

managing forest and land rehabilitation, land and water conservation techniques, as well as

agricultural cultivation. The upper sub-watershed of Cisadane River, West Java, has benefi tted

from MDM activities. Two farmer’s groups, numbering 60 farmers in total, were formed in this area

to manage the watershed. They have successfully rehabilitated 25 hectares of degraded private

land. The farmers have raised over 60 sheep and also developed a nursery that has produced

120,000 seedlings ready for planting.

Ensuring the sustainability of these activities requires a good data support system capable of

identifying actual fi eld conditions. ESP is facilitating the creation of E-DAS (E-watershed), an

electronic database system that contains information on physical, social, and biological conditions

of every watershed in Indonesia. It presents a simple yet informative geographical display of

current watershed conditions. This tool helps decision makers target specifi c fi eld locations to

determine which sustainable management program is appropriate for a particular watershed.

Field School participants engaging in a transect activity during the non formal schooling

Ensuring the sustainability of these

activities requires a good data support system capable of

identifying actual fi eld conditions

Belawan is a fl ood-prone community lying adjacent to the River Deli in

Medan, North Sumatra. Over 18,000 households are densely situated

here, many on stilts and teetering precariously over an ever-growing

pile of muddied refuse. Of these families, 13,375 (75%) are considered

poor or very poor, with an average income of Rp 500,000 (USD $50) a

month.

Like many poor households in Indonesia, Belawan residents rely on contaminated shallow

well water or buy water from water vendors for a price much higher (usually 15-30 times

more) than the average price charged by local water utilities, known as PDAM. PDAMs are

often hesitant to increase access to piped water in these poor neighborhoods. They fear

problems related to illegal resident or land status, water theft, leakages, ineffi cient water

billing, and an inability of poor households to pay the connection fee.

In 2006, ESP piloted an innovative collaboration, linking low-income community members

with PDAM Tirtanadi Provinsi Sumatera Utara through a community managed piped water

system, known as a Master Meter. This win-win situation alleviates both parties’ problems

by generating business and new customers for the PDAM and by supplying communities

access to clean water at an aff ordable rate.

The key to the Master Meter’s success in Belawan has been the ability of a local Community

-Based Organizations (CBOs) and a local NGO, known as Jaringan Kesehatan Masyarakat, or

JKM, to operate and maintain the community-managed piped water system.

Master Meter System WATER ACCESS AS AN ENTRY POINT FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Now, the average family spends Rp.

15,000 a month and I get piped water

straight to my home!

eli in

ated

wing

Now, the average family spends Rp.

15,000 a month and I get piped water

straight to my home!“

“PAGE 4

After participating in ESP’s capacity building program,

JKM took responsibility for maintaining the Master

Meter system. JKM spearheaded community facilitation,

establishment of the CBO, and design of the network.

They provide fi nancial, technical, and institutional

trainings to the CBO and the community.

Ibu Eti of the CBO PokMair (Kelompok Pemakai Air)

is responsible for organizing and managing the

water distribution and payment collection for 168

households. She was elected by the community to

be a CBO Treasury. She reads and records household

meters, collects money, and handles late payments

or repair problems. “[Prior to the Master Meter system

installment] I spent roughly Rp 4,000 day for about 300

liters/day, totaling roughly Rp 60,000 a month. Now, the average family spends Rp 15,000 a

month and I get new piped water straight to my home!” Much to the surprise of the PDAM,

the CBO and community are very responsible and reliable customers. ”Late payments hardly

ever happen,” explained Pak Julian Syah, a Regional Community WATSAN Manager from the

ESP North Sumatra team. “The community would not dare to jeopardize clean piped water

access.”

Since work began, the CBO has grown to a group of 30 members who organize and mobilize

around water issues. Each CBO manages 100-200 house connections. Access to clean water

has become a proven entry point for community empowerment. Community members,

most often women, are applying their organizational skills to address other problems such

as hygiene and sanitation. ESP is currently working with JKM and CBOs to train communities

in solid waste management, composting, hand washing with soap, and safe water treatment

and storage.

The success of this pilot has impressed local government offi cials, who have committed to

continuing the program for the next fi ve years. Central government, Pemko Medan and PDAM

Tirtanadi are adopting the Master Meter system in large scale for 2 consecutive years. Such

major stakeholder collaboration, facilitated by ESP, resulted in a National-level Water for the

Poor program. In 2008, the Master Meter served 3,543 urban poor households in Belawan. This

year, 2009, the Master Meter will reach an additional 3,500 households, spread over 9 villages

in Medan city.

Now that the CBO-managed piped water system is up and running, government funded

programs are following. Programs with PNPM Mandiri, P2KP, and NUSSP work alongside local

CBOs. At Ibu Eti’s location in Yong Panah Hijau, the improvement is clear. Transformations

include concrete pathways, 4 public toilet units equipped with a waste water treatment system,

a drainage system, a public school under rehabilitation, and health promotion programs for

mothers and children.

ESP’s Water for the Poor toolkit serves as a reference point, highlighting basic approaches that

can be adapted to other challenging environments throughout Indonesia including Jakarta,

Bandung, Surakarta, Sidoarjo, Surabaya, and Eastern Indonesia.

In Belawan, Medan, North Sumatra, the Water for the Poor program helps by providing safe water to low-income families

Late payments hardly ever happen. The

community would not dare to jeopardize

clean piped water access

Clean water service coverage in Indonesia remains at a low 40% due to the

limited capacity of municipal water companies (PDAMs) to supply clean

water. This is complicated by expensive water connection fees that range

from Rp. 750,000 to 1,500,000 (USD$ 75-150) per connection, pricing it out

of reach for low-income households.

Urban areas rely heavily on municipal water companies for their clean water supply. Numbering

almost 400 business units, these city-owned or regency-owned water companies have

varying levels of performance: 10% are classifi ed as have ‘good’ performance, while another

60% are currently being restructured. The remaining 30% are classifi ed as performing ‘badly’.

This performance must be signifi cantly improved if the government intends to meet its own

ambitious target of installing an additional 10 million new connections to serve 50 million

Indonesians by 2013.

Aimed at low-income households, these 10 million connections would help many low-income

households who depend on the purchasing of water at a price ten times what PDAM customers

usually pay. Oftentimes, these households are also forced to rely on water from rivers, wells, or

other sources that are considered unsafe and unreliable.

To promote Micro-Credit, the loan application process has been streamlined and made more

accessible. Prospective customers need only to fi ll out a new application form at a water

company with a Micro-Credit agreement with a partner bank. The application is then followed

by a letter of introduction, allowing the benefi ciary to apply for Micro-Credit loans at the bank.

Once the bank assesses the borrower and approves the loan, the bank directly deposits money

Turning on the TapsWITH MICRO-CREDIT

I used to rely on well water. With the Micro-Credit loan, I can fi nally enjoy

cleaner and healthier water from the water

company

o the

clean

ange

I used to rely on well water. With the Micro-Credit loan,I can fi nally enjoy

cleaner and healthier water from the water

company

“

“PAGE 6

Thanks to the new piped water distributed by PT Air Manado, Meiske Manumpil now leads a healthier life

into the water company’s account. The water company

proceeds by connecting pipes to the customer’s home.

Currently, ESP’s Micro-Credit program has facilitated the

successful cooperation between 12 water companies

and several local banks including Bank Rakyat Indonesia,

Bank Jatim, Bank Sumut, BPR Al Salam, and BPR BKK

Kebumen. ESP’s main role in this program is to bridge

the communication gap between water companies

and banks, explaining the benefi ts of Micro-Credit and

highlighting the revenue potential for water companies

and banks. Through this program, water companies are

also slowly rebuilding their images, which have been

tarnished as a result of mismanagement and poor

fi nancial performance.

Jayadi, President Director of Delta Tirta Sidoarjo, a

municipal water supply company in East Java explained

the benefi ts of taking part in the program. “Thanks to

Micro-Credit, our cash fl ow has improved. We receive

cash payment from customers who have taken Micro-

Credit loans at BRI’s branch in Sidoarjo.”

As of now, nearly 10,000 families, or approximately 50,000

people, from Sumatra to Eastern Indonesia, have gained

access to clean water from local PDAM through Micro-Credit schemes.

Yetti is a new customer of the Bogor City water company. She is benefi tting from the Micro-

Credit scheme. “I used to rely on well water, but the water has become dirty and smelly. With the

Micro-Credit loan, I can fi nally enjoy cleaner and healthier water from the water company,” she

explained.

Meiske Manumpil, who lives at a fi shermen’s settlement in Bahu, Manado, is glad that she can

fi nally get clean water from PT Air Manado through BRI’s branch in Malalayang. “Previously, we

were using well water, but the volume would diminish during the dry season and cleanliness was

always questionable. But now, whenever I want water, I can just turn on the tap,” Meiske said.

Micro-Credit has off ered a glimmer of hope for the improvement of water services in Indonesia.

It provides alternative solutions for two diffi cult problems facing most PDAMs: their inability to

fi nance new installation networks and their inability to supply aff ordable connection fees for low-

income households. For local banks, the Micro-Credit program has opened up new markets by

introducing alternative banking services. With the success of these initial pilot programs, both the

banks and the PDAMs have an incentive to continue promoting Micro-Credit into the future.

Whenever I want water, I can just turn on the tap

The CGH School approach has revolutionized the way hygiene

promotion is perceived and implemented within the school system in

Indonesia. The school is a place where community resources convene

and integrated action takes place. This makes it an ideal entry point

for Health and Hygiene promotion.

The innovative and participatory approach conceptualized by the ESP Health and Hygiene

(H&H) team to promote improved hygiene behaviors in 366 sites across Indonesia, has

resulted in an extensive amount of accumulated knowledge and experience.

Formative research, conducted in 2006 through Forum Group Discussions (FGD), utilized

a set of participatory research tools to analyze the basic motivations for and impediments

to sustained hygiene behaviors. This included the identifi cation of gateway behaviors for

hygiene promotion and existing community practices that the program could use to ground

healthy hygiene practices.

ESP’s “Health and Hygiene Behaviors in Indonesia: Results of the Formative Research” revealed

that children play an important role in changing community behavior. For example, adults

are more likely to learn about health and hygeine issues from their children, rather than their

spouses. As a result, the Clean, Green and Hygiene (CGH) School was developed as one of the

main anchors of the integrated H&H communication strategy.

The CGH School is an integrative, school-based strategy with the purpose of engaging

schools’ headmasters, teachers, school committees and students. The strategy off ers learning

Schools As An Entry Point FOR HEALTH AND HYGIENE BEHAVIOR CHANGE

HWWS ambassadors are very helpful in

promoting behavior-change, as children like to learn and be reminded by their

friends

iene

m in

vene

HWWS ambassadors are very helpful in

promoting behavior-change, as childrenlike to learn and bereminded by their

friends

“

“Local media attention has been key to

disseminating H&H messages, increasing

awareness and encouraging further

support

Teachers are preparing materials for an environmental-based school curriculum

opportunities that encourage the development

of healthy and hygienic behaviors, including

environmental health. The ultimate goal is to prevent

diarrhea and avoid other common illnesses including

the fl u, avian infl uenza, dysentery, and respiratory tract

infections.

The CGH School strategy works in tandem with other

ongoing initiatives such as the School Health Unit (UKS,

Unit Kesehatan Sekolah) and “student doctors” (dokter

kecil), two national government programs which

directly promote students as leaders in hygiene-related

behavior change.

In West Java, Hand Washing with Soap (HWWS)

Ambassadors, also known as Water Police, further

advocate for hand washing and waste management. The Petiwi Elementary School in Bandung

has supported HWWS Ambassadors, and their teachers to visit neighboring communities

and train young mothers on CGH-related behaviors. “HWWS ambassadors are very helpful in

promoting behavior change. Children like to learn and be reminded by their friends,” explained

Ade Sobarudin, Vice Principle of Curriculum Aff airs of SD Pertiwi.

In addition to aiding in the dissemination of CGH messages, from school, to parent, to the

community, the CGH School leverages signifi cant National support, in the form of curriculum

development, increased allocation of funding, and institutional commitment. In Malang East

Java, Kota Batu district, the Head of the Sub District Education Offi ce, Sukistiono, has mobilized

young teachers to prepare a curriculum based on sanitation and environmental principles.

Through this curriculum, schools are encouraged to be “greener” and to adopt clean and healthy

behaviors. “The high number of diarrhea cases and the recent decrease in the quality and

quantity of water are relevant to ESP’s concept of the CGH School,” Sukistiono says. The success

of Sukistiono and his team of young teachers in developing an integrated and comprehensive

curriculum inspired by the CGH approach, encouraged the Head of the Education Agency to

institutionalize the CGH curriculum in 89 schools in Batu.

Local media attention has been key to disseminating H&H messages, increasing awareness, and

also encouraging further government support. For example, local media coverage of a CGH

Festival in West Java encouraged the Vice Regency of West Bandung, Mr. Ernawan, to commit

to the full adoption of the CGH School theme over a fi ve-year period. Politicians and other

local stakeholders have made these commitments to reporters, in front of the camera, and in

writing, to bring credibility to the CGH program and reassure continuous media involvement.

The CGH School approach has become one of ESP Health and Hygiene’s main pillars

for sustainability. By working from already established local resources, encouraging the

development of local leadership, and sparking National-level attention, CGH schools have

been successful at leveraging signifi cant awareness, funding, and support to create lasting

impact.

Monitoring and evaluation are two crucial program components.

They help track a program’s development and success and

provide a feedback mechanism to ensure program approaches,

models, and activities appropriately respond to community needs.

ESP’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities are divided into two classifi cations: qualitative

and quantitative. Quantitative M&E is carried out periodically, and contributes directly to ESP’s

routine reporting deliverables, including Quarterly and Annual reports.

Qualitative M&E consists of narrative-focused fi eld stories and testimonies from communities

who have benefi ted from ESP program activities. Several qualitative M&E outputs include

longitudinal studies, community impact assessments, diarrhea monitoring, and participative

water quality monitoring. All of these take a subjective perspective from the angle of local

partners engaged directly in program activities.

One of the most prominent qualitative evaluations is the community impact assessment.

In this particular monitoring activity, communities from ESP program locations rate and

identify improvements and successes they’ve experienced. These are documented to serve

as promotional materials and discussion topics to encourage involvement from partners

and stakeholders. The documentation includes a one page essay describing monitoring

results, complete with supporting data and photos. This monitoring information is useful for

leveraging further support for community-planned programs.

Monitoring and Evaluation:FROM THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE

It was truly an eye opener, the commu-

nity used to refuse planting tree crops in their vegetable

plots

ents.

and

ches,

It was truly an eyeopener, the commu-

nity used to refuse planting tree crops in their vegetable

plots“

“PAGE 10

Eson, a villager from Mekarwangi Village, West Bandung

Regency, West Java, has been actively guiding the

community impact assessment process in his village.

These activities allow Eson to refl ect on just how much

has changed.

“It was truly an eye opener,” Eson remarked. “The

community used to refuse planting tree crops in their

vegetable plots. However, after participating in ESP

activities, they became aware of the benefi ts from

planting tree crops, especially for the ecosystem of

their plots.”

The villagers of Mekarwangi wrote a simple essay

and included a map showing the village’s improved

spatial layout. The essay was distributed by Field School participants during a village event

and presented to the village government. Field School participants were happy to have the

opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with local government offi cials. It re-invigorated

their determination to continue their important work.

“We hoped that this spatial layout presentation will provide us with some support for water

resource management in Mekarwangi as part of Cikapundung River sub-watershed,” Eson

said.

During ESP’s program life, community impact assessments have been conducted in 10 villages

in Lembang Regency, West Java, and in 7 villages in Sibolangit and Lau Petani sub-watershed

in North Sumatra.

The community impact assessment has improved the ability of communities to self-monitor

the impact of community-based activities. As these monitors hone their analytical monitoring

skills and gain more confi dence in their abilites, they will become increasingly important to

their fellow community members. By sharing their experience with others, more community

groups are improving their capacity to conduct M&E activities in their own villages.

“Seeing things change with our own eyes makes us believe that we’ve done something

positive. The tree crops are now taller than most farmers who have planted them. They are

able to provide shade and are making the soil more fertile to absorb more water,” Eson said.

By involving community members in the process of M&E, ESP has encouraged local stakeholders

to take an active role in the development of eff ective program activities.

Monitoring and evaluation are two crucial program components, they help track a program’s development and success and provide feedback

Seeing things change with our own eyes makes us believe that we’ve done

something positive

With a “Ridge to Reef” approach, water is the overarching theme that

bridges all component activities together. Gender is inextricably

tied up in how water is perceived, accessed, and managed.

ESP developed the Gender sub-component to focus directly on gender awareness and

mainstreaming. Since then, Gender has become an integral part of all ESP internal and

external activities.

The development of gender awareness is always adapted to the social systems and conditions

of the ESP program implementation site. An analysis of the division of labor between men

and women has revealed that gender roles vary, and must be addressed accordingly.

In upstream watershed areas, for example, where farming and agricultural activities dominate,

men and women’s roles are relatively balanced. The diff erence lies in the division of labor for

activities that require physical strength. Men are more dominant during land cultivation and

harvest, while women deal more with crop planting and nurturing. In regard to the family’s

clean water supply, however, women usually carry a heavier burden, as they are expected to

travel long distances to obtain water.

In urban areas, especially in densely populated areas, low-income families usually purchase

clean water from vendors or use public taps. Like the upstream watersheds, women, usually

mothers and daughters, are responsible for providing clean water for household use. Mothers

Gender Mainstreaming:INTEGRATING AWARENESS INTO EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES

Gender awareness activities benefi t not

only ESP staff , but also ESP partners

that

cably

ged.

Gender awareness activities benefi t not

only ESP staff , but also ESP partners“

“PAGE 12

are also responsible for prioritizing the family budget

to ensure basic needs, like access to water, are met.

Most often, husbands are reluctant to change habits,

like cigarette smoking, for the sake of the family’s

economic welfare. As a result, women look for

alternative sources of income to meet their household

needs. In this situation mothers are expected to play

the role of caregiver, family accountant, and must also

shoulder the additional burden of fi nding income.

Awareness of gender pressure helps bring attention

to these unfortunate circumstances and encourages

both men and women to work together to fi nd gender

appropriate solutions.

Gender awareness activities are intended to serve not

only the benefi ciaries of ESP activities, but also ESP partners, organizations receiving grants

from ESP, government agencies, and sectoral agencies such as the municipal water companies.

This strategy is important as most ESP partner organizations are dominated by men.

Rahayu Naningsih, General Director of the municipal water company in Gresik Regency,

explained how she used the experience acquired through the ESP gender training to improve

gender awareness at her company.

“Regarding employment policies, Gresik Regency water company considers one’s

professionalism, knowledge, and skills; not one’s gender. ESP gender training materials support

this notion.” As of December 2009, ESP has conducted gender workshops for partners in six

provinces, including Aceh, North Sumatra, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java. ESP

has trained at least 850 ESP partners on gender awareness and ways to integrate gender

in activities related to water resources management and the provision of clean water and

sanitation.

Apit, a villager in Citemen Hamlet, Kertajaya Village, Sukabumi Regency, explained, “Women’s

participation in community activities should not be limited to preparing food. Women must

have the courage to voice their opinion and help shape the future of their communities. The

ESP gender training has made us aware of this. It is very important for men and women to

share roles because it can ease everyone’s burden.”

ESP has developed a gender analysis tool that can be used by partner organizations to

strengthen gender integration in their organizations’ program activities. The tool consists of an

analytical process which describes gender roles and the resources available to men and women.

This gender analysis aims to strengthen the gender perspective in the implementation of ESP

activities. In order to fi nd solutions, ESP must fi rst determine “who does what, who controls

what, and who makes decision about what.”

As for the communities, ESP has set a minimum target of increasing women involvement in

every activity including Field Schools, the drafting of local policy, promotion of healthy and

hygienic behaviors, community-based waste management, provision of clean water, and

community-based sanitation facilities.

Women must have the courage to voice

their opinion and help shape the future of their communities

The development of gender awareness is always adapted to the social systems and conditions of the ESP program implementation site

ESP works to involve university students and academic institutions

in internship programs covering a variety of disciplines. In addition

to honing student’s skills and giving them the experience and

confi dence they need to succesd in their future endeavors, ESP also

gains support in implementing and evaluating program activities.

Since April 2009, 21-year-old Eyki Yulhaida Agistiyanti’s routine has been anything but normal.

In addition to doing homework and attending classes in the Faculty of Communication at

Mercubuana University, Eyki has become a very welcome part of ESP. Every Wednesday,

Thursday, and Friday she joins the ESP Communications team in the Jakarta offi ce.

Eyki’s initial duties included searching for news articles about water and sanitation in

magazines and newspapers and analyzing their contents. This information helps give ESP

feedback on its programming. Along with two other interns, Eyki has documented over 700

news clippings, making the ESP website one of the most reliable sources for water, sanitation

and environment news.

Over the course of her work, Eyki has diversifi ed her interests by taking part in a variety of

communications related work. For example, she has directly supported Siska Doviana, ESP’s

Public Outreach Specialist, by conducting media relation activities, such as contacting

journalists in preparation of an event. Eyki has also directly engaged in fi eld activities. She

collects data, photos, and testimonies and works with the Communications team to compile

and analyze information for publications, toolkits, and manuals.

ESP Internship Program: TRANSFORMING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE

I have gained quite a lot of insight into

environmental issues, as well as developed my

professional abilities

tions

ition

and

I have gained quitea lot of insight into

environmental issues, as well as developed my

professional abilities“

“PAGE 14

“My knowledge about water, sanitation and other

environmental issues was sorely lacking. However, since

I began my internship at ESP, I have gained quite a lot of

insight into environmental issues, as well as developed

my professional abilities,” Eyki confi dently explained.

Eyki is one of 15 local and international students

who have taken part in the ESP internship program.

Towards the end of ESP programming, ESP has made a

concerted eff ort to provide opportunities for students

seeking professional work experience. In addition to

introducing them to a professional offi ce atmosphere

and preparing them to enter the work force with skills

and confi dence, the internship also allows students

to bridge the gap between practice and study. The

variety of technical and non-technical components at

ESP has allowed the interns to be selective in choosing work that suits both their studies and

interests.

The Service Delivery component, for example, has welcomed the helpful support of 7 student

interns. These interns actively campaigned for health and hygiene behaviors at ESP program

sites by taking part in urban Field School trainings, discussions, and events. Working alongside

the Jakarta WATSAN Coordinator and other Service Delivery staff , the interns conducted fi eld

surveys, helped develop community-based Action Plans, and facilitated discussion sessions

with community groups.

Ajeng Rahmani Rijadi, an intern from the University of Indonesia, and intern with the Service

Delivery component, recognizes that interacting with low-income communities has had a

signifi cant impact on her. “Direct interaction with communities has increased my sense of

empathy. Furthermore, the close collaboration between ESP, NGO partners, and communities

has developed my professionalism and ability to cooperate in a team,” explained Ajeng.

Nur Endah Shofi ani, Jakarta WATSAN Coordinator, admitted that involving interns in operational

activities was initially time consuming. The staff was required to invest time and energy into

explaining and clarifying ESP program activities and approaches. “However, as time went by,”

Endah explained, “the investment came back to us. The students began contributing more and

more to help programs run smoothly. Eventually, they were confi dent enough to fi ll in when

my team was busy with other tasks,” said Endah.

The ESP internship program proved benefi cial, not only for the students, but also for ESP. The

program represents one medium for communicating ESP activities to the general public. It

has also built important relationships by connecting organizations with potential partners in

the academic world. For the various components described above, the interns provided much

needed support for ESP program development. The intern program also contributes to the

professional development of ESP staff . For example, Siska Doviana, the ESP Program Outreach

Coordinator admitted, “I learned a lot from this experience because it was my fi rst opportunity

directly supervising others.”

In addition to honing student’s skills and giving them the experience and confi dence they need to succeed in their future endeavors, ESP gains additional support in implementing and evaluating program activities

Direct interaction with communities has increased my sense of empathy

The development of a clear, integrated sanitation strategy is crucial

for Indonesia. According to 2007 World Bank fi gures, roughly 100,000

children die from diarrhea every year, at an economic loss of 2.3%

GDP. The National government is working with various stakeholders,

including ESP, to coordinate a National-level approach for improved

sanitation.

STBM (Community-Based Total Sanitation) is a fi ve pillar approach to improve sanitation at

the household level. In 2008, the Ministry of Health (MOH) launched STBM in 10,000 villages

spanning 29 provinces in Indonesia. By focusing on behavioral change and awareness raising,

STBM’s goal is to increase the demand for improved sanitation, primarily at the household

level.

The Government of Indonesia (GOI) recognizes its role as a facilitator, not implementer. The

STBM approach emphasizes the signifi cance of communities and their responsibility in

planning, constructing, managing, and co-fi nancing initiatives for improved sanitation.

To ensure this approach is successful and sustainable, various partners, government agencies,

international organizations, and NGOs must collaborate closely to both integrate their

approaches and to ensure there are strong community-based initiatives.

Up until recently, the fi ve STBM pillars have been implemented by several agencies, NGOs,

and organizations with various strategies, approaches, and priorities. These fi ve pillars include

(1) stopping open defecation, (2) washing hands with soap, (3) household water treatment

and safe storage (4) household waste water management, and (5) household solid waste

STBM: COORDINATING AN INTEGRATED NATIONAL SANITATION STRATEGY

ESP has recognized the importance

of increasing community group

capacities to promote STBM campaigns

ucial

0,000

2.3%

ESP has recognizedthe importance

of increasing community group

capacities to promoteSTBM campaigns“

“PAGE 16

management. According to the WHO, integrating the

above initiatives will reduce diarrhea by 94%.

ESP took a lead role in facilitating an STBM workshop in

April 2009 to promote an integrated and collaborative

approach to the STMB policy. The main objective was to

lay the foundation for how donors could best support

the MOH. Donors and government agencies worked

together to design an integrated STBM approach by

discussing program initiatives, best practices, lessons

learned, and identifying gaps in the MOH’s STBM

strategy.

Local provinces have been keeping up the momentum.

In mid-2009, STBM was introduced to Water and

Sanitation Working Groups (Pokja AMPL) in Jayapura and Ambon. These ESP-facilitated

workshops were attended by urban stakeholders that include city government bodies,

community representatives, press, and partner programs such as Safe Water System (SWS),

WES UNICEF, Mercy Corps, and CARE. The commitments of city governments were refl ected

during Global Hand Washing with Soap Day. On October 15, 2009, the Mayor of Jayapura

launched STBM as Jayapura’s development priority. In Ambon, the Mayor lead the event by

introducing Hand Washing with Soap and the importance of safe drinking water and solid

waste treatment, to over 2,000 students.

In addition to partner collaboration at the National, Provincial, and District level, ESP has

recognized the importance of increased community group capacity to implement STBM

campaigns. STBM and the promotion of eff ective behavior change is only eff ective if it

promotes community involvement and ownership at the household level.

At the community level, ESP conducted STBM trainings for community cadres in Ambon,

Jayapura and Manado, equipping the cadres with comprehensive understanding of STBM

pillars. Following the trainings, cadres designed Actions Plan to present to the Pokja AMPL. In

Jayapura, for example, the Pokja AMPL has already agreed to integrate the community’s Action

Plan into their City Sanitation Strategy. The immediate execution of the Action Plan will be

apparent in Jayapura city government’s 2010 budget year.

ESP is also off ering practical communication skills and simple media communication production

training to the cadres. By the end of the trainings, these cadres are expected to convey STBM

messages to their community in a more eff ective way, using their own communication

language, channels, and resources.

Securing the involvement of various donors and stakeholders is crucial to implementing an

integrated and holistic National policy initiative. By linking various program initiatives and

advocating from the National level all the way down to community level, ESP has played an

integral role in promoting improved household sanitation.

According to 2007 World Bank fi gures, roughly 100,000 children die from diarrhea every year, at an economic loss of 2.3% GDP

Securing the involvement of

donors and stake-holders is crucial to implementing an integrated policy

initiative

Ridge

Ridge will introduce you to ESP programming in upstream watershed areas. The approach

focuses on land management, rehabilitation, and protection to improve the quantity and

quality of raw water sources. Sustainable land use activities are spearheaded by the Field

School, a participative approach that involves land stewards in hands-on analysis, problem

solving, and action planning. In this section, Field School participants refl ect on their eff orts

to learn from nature, educate others, and develop environmentally friendly sources of energy,

like biogas. Improved land use planning and forestry management is supported by local

regulations and through people-driven Spatial Plans, like that described in Papua. This section

also highlights how upper watershed stakeholders have worked alongside water companies

to safeguard the environment and promote improved water quality for downstream users.

Reforestation failures often result from a lack of awareness,

understanding, and technical expertise. Tree planting and other

reforestation activities can serve as alternative, environmentally-

friendly livelihood options, especially when initiatives are supported

by the private sector and local government.

“I’m not sure whether these reforestated trees will be well cared for or provide much benefi t,”

announced a skeptical Imam Oetomo, the previous governor of East Java, at a ceremony fi ve

years ago, celebrating the National Movement for Forest and Land Rehabilitation.

Imam’s skepticism is justifi ed, considering the less than successful impact of past reforestation

activities. Due to a lack of awareness amongst communities and other stakeholders, the act

of tree planting developed a reputation for being merely a celebratory, ribbon-cutting event,

followed by withering and neglected trees.

This perspective has been shifting, mainly due to the improved awareness for forest

preservation. This has resulted in increased participation by the communities, private sector,

and the government. Representatives of farmer groups and community groups, such as the

Forest Village Community Institution, have begun to work with private institutions concerned

with forest conservation.

Arief Lukman Hakim, ESP’s Watershed Management Specialist in East Java, explained the

paradox of tree planting ceremonies. “They [the community] planted strong water-absorbing

trees in high slope regions, a practice that often triggers landslides rather than preventing them.

Forestry Education:MAXIMIZING REFORESTATION RESULTS

Representatives of farmer’s groups have begun to work with private institutions

concerned with forest

conservation

ness,

other

tally-

Representatives of farmer’s groups have begun to work with private institutions

concerned withforest

conservation

“

“PAGE 20

They also planted reforestation trees in areas where the

topsoil was too thin, causing trees to die within a year

or two. I know they mean well, but their methods were

misguided,” he admitted.

Awareness, understanding, and technical expertise

plays a major role in forest preservation. That’s why

new approaches to forestry education are becoming

increasingly important. One of these approaches is the

Hutan Asuh (Forest Care) Concept. It invites all parties to

educate communities about the many issues regarding

forest conservation.

Amongst other locations, the Forest Care Concept is

being implemented on the slopes of Arjuna Welirang

Mountain. From a hydrological standpoint, these forests are part of a very important upper-

watershed that feeds the Brantas River. This particular watershed is part of R. Soerjo Community-

Based Forest Park (Taman Hutan Rakyat) that provides water resources to 14 districts and cities in

East Java. In other words, 60 percent of East Java’s population depends on Brantas watershed for

their food and water supply.

Currently, 3,300 hectares of forest around Arjuna Welirang Mountain are in critical condition,.

However, the government is limited to pursuing conservation eff orts in a mere 300 hectares of

forest per year. At that rate, it would take 11 years to restore the degraded forest.

“The numbers make it clear that it’s impossible to rely only on the government,” explained MH

Dardiri, head of Tahura Farmer’s Group (Paguyuban Kelompok Tani Tahura - PKTT).The rural

community’s livelihoods, such as farming, hunting, and charcoal making, are dependent upon

forest resources. These conditions have prompted the Kaliandra Foundation and ESP to create

the Forest Care Concept, to not only help speed conservation eff orts, but to also guarantee

sustainability.

Agus Wiyono, a member of Kaliandra, discussed how the Forest Care Concept emphasized the

synergy between increased forest preservation and improvements in the communities’ quality of

life. “They must diversify their sources of income,” Agus said. However, it’s not easy to encourage

people to stop relying on the forest for their economic livelihoods. Other parties, including the

private sector, have to be involved to ensure improved quality of life for the forest communities.

PT. Tirta Investama (TIV) Pandaan has been helping manage 10 hectares of forest in Arjuna

Welirang Mountain. The program, which has been running for a year, considers Aqua bottled

water their number one supporter. They have assisted in rehabilitating degraded land and have

supported tree planting initiatives for those reliant on charcoal making for livelihoods. Lately,

there has been a surge of interest from companies such as HM Sampoerna, Coca Cola, and others

that want to follow in Aqua’s footsteps.

Most importantly, the communities, represented by the Forest Village Community Institution

are responsible for overseeing the implementation and sustainability of these programs. The

economic status of communities living around the forest has begun to change: they can now

fulfi ll their economic needs with environmentally-friendly forestry activities.

Degradation of critical land like that shown above may result in various disasters in downstream areas

Awareness, understanding, and technical expertise plays a major role in forest preservation

Field School participants never stop learning from nature. They

pass on their knowledge to community members, sharing their

environmentally friendly farming methods, and encouraging others

to take action.

Villagers of Sikeben, Sibolangit, North Sumatra, no longer consider Ibu Dewi Beru Sembiring

crazy. Quite the contrary. At 43 years old, Dewi has suddenly become famous in her village. She

feels like the local medicine maker for organic agriculture.

On a daily basis, local farmers crowd to her home and ask her to concoct organic compost

and ‘local micro-organisms’. “Initially I specialized in liquid organic fertilizer, giving it away for

free to those who wanted to try it,” Dewi said. “Some wanted to buy it, but I told them this was

unnecessary, since it is made from organic waste available for free everywhere.”

“How things have changed. I used to be considered crazy because whenever I come across

organic waste, I picked it up!” Dewi said. This mother of three has no patience for fellow villagers

who refuse to learn. By giving away liquid compost, she hoped people would proactively seek

ways to learn about organic farming through farmer Field Schools in Sikeben Village.

“If these farmers are not lazy, I can teach them. Or they can enroll in a farmer Field school to

learn to make it easily. If they use organic fertilizer, they will always make a profi t from their

crops, and be free from expensive chemicals.”

Field School Graduates: NEVER STOP LEARNINGFROM NATURE

How things have changed. I used to

be considered crazy because whenever I come across organic waste, I picked it up!

They

their

thers

How things have changed. I used to

be considered crazybecause whenever I come across organic waste, I picked it up!“

“PAGE 22

Dewi is excited about environmentally friendly farming.

She spends her time from morning until late afternoon

in the fi eld, doing a number of mini experiments to solve

her farming problems. In fact, her children, who used to

hate going into the fi eld, now follow her there everyday.

To Dewi, organic agriculture is more than a money

saver. She fi nds pleasure in working with nature. She is

constantly carrying out new experiments amidst her

300 rubber trees (Hevea Braziliensis), grown as a mixed

garden along with ginger, green beans, and chives

(bawang batak). At the edge of her land, she has also

planted fruit trees, such as mangosteen and durian. The

agroforestry method produces a variety of crops and is

proven to be environmentally friendly.

“The rubber trees help prevent erosion by breaking the rainfall before it hits the ground,” Dewi

explained when asked why she grows rubber trees on her land. “I can use some of the ground

cover crops such as Titonia as a base for natural pesticides, and some other herbal mixes to

stimulate plant growth,” she explained.

To stimulate bud growth, Dewi used a mixture of fi nely ground cassava leaves, golden snail eggs,

and Indonesian bay leaves. The mixture is aged for a week before being sprayed to the plants.

“These natural pesticides aren’t just eff ective, they’re also cheap and has helped me reduce my

farming costs,” Dewi said.

Surbakti from Doulu Village, North Sumatra is engaging in similar activities. Since 2007, he has

been planting strawberries in an area less than a quarter hectare using environmentally friendly

farming concepts that maintains the natural food chain system.

To fulfi ll his needs for fertilizers and pesticides, he utilizes waste from other farms and ranches

around his land. Spoiled fruits and vegetables are fermented for fertilizer, while goat manure and

urine are mixed with coconut water to be made into liquid compost.

With such natural farming materials, Posman has managed to grow fresher strawberries with a

vibrant red color and sweeter taste. According to him, they are more marketable because they

last longer and don’t require storage in the refrigerator.

At a time when the price of fertilizer is skyrocketing and supplies are scarce, the momentum to

reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides is stronger than ever. Posman is often

asked to provide guidance to other villages. He has even independently spread the knowledge

he gained from ESP’s Field School program to more than 10 other villages in Tanah Karo. “I taught

them for free,” Posman said.

Natural fertilizers and pesticides aren’t just cheap, but also healthier. “If we can lead a healthier life

by developing environmentally friendly farming methods, we can also stop poisoning the next

generation,” he said.

Field School participants are agents of change who can encourage their fellow villagers to take action in improving their life

If we can lead a healthier life,

we can also stop poisoning the next

generation

Rampant illegal logging and sand mining have decimated half of the

forest in Gunung Merapi National Park, Magelang, Central Java. The

Field School helped residents share and analyze solutions to existing

environmental pressures. The resulting Village Ordinance is a source

of pride and accomplishment for all stakeholders involved.

From the total 485 hectares of community-managed forest in the Gunung Merapi Nation-

al Park, about 50% is considered degraded land. Of the already degraded 233.88 hectares,

about 50 hectares now constitutes barren land.

Fortunately, over the past two years, communities have begun to realize the importance of

conserving the Merapi region. One such environmentally aware community is the Ngargo-

mulyo Village in the Dukun Sub-District, Magelang District. The village lies on the west side

of Mount Merapi and is only seven kilometers away from the volcano’s peak, making it a part

of Merapi’s most disaster-prone area. Over the years, Ngargomulyo village has observed the

increased damage to state-managed and community-managed forest.

Widodo, one of the villagers, explained how awareness begins with concern that the pictur-

esque beauty of Merapi’s slope, which has a great potential for ecotourism, will soon vanish

if the forest is poorly managed.

In mid 2009, a fresh breeze of hope emerged from Ngargomulyo. The Ngargomulyo Village

Ordinance No. 3 of 2009, regarding Environmental Management, was fi nally enacted.

Curbing Deforestation WITH VILLAGE ORDINANCE“Ngargomulyo’s vil-

lage ordinance has also inspired other

villages in the Merapi slopes to enact simi-

lar ordinances

“PAGE 24

People are becom-ing more confi dent

about what they should do when they see environ-mental damage

Ngargomulyo Village sign detailing sustainable forest regulations

“The youth and a number of village elders frequently held informal discussions at my

house. As we talked about the Merapi region, we began developing the idea for the

village ordinance,” Widodo said.

Initially, discussions regarding the village ordinance stalled because people argued over

technical matters, instead of trying to fi nd a common ground. A breakthrough hap-

pened after some of the villagers joined ESP’s Field School for Central Java and Yogya-

karta regions in 2007.

Field School participants are encouraged to review their villages’ potential, including

its natural and human resources, as well as social, physical and fi nancial potentials. The

participatory nature of the Field School’s learning method has enabled the participants

to examine and identify the problems they are facing.

The push for simple, practical regulations began. The drafting process for the village

ordinance began slowly, involving the community, village administrators and organiza-

tions, and relevant government services.

“We tried to involve the leaders of loggers and sand miners in the process. Making them realize

the urgency of the situation was quite diffi cult, but eventually, they agreed to join our cause to

improve our village,” Ngargomulyo Village’s youth leader Sutarji said.

The fi nished draft was submitted to the village government and to Magelang District’s Envi-

ronmental Offi ce, Mining and Energy Offi ce, and Government Administration Offi ce. After a

deliberation process lasting fi ve months, Ngargomulyo Village Representative Council enacted

the village ordinance on June 4th, 2009.

However, implementing the village ordinance has been an unanticipated challenge. Village

Secretary M. Muji explained that public dissemination of the new ordinance was still needed.

This includes enforcement, using signs and distributing stickers with ordinace-related informa-

tion.

At the moment, river ecosystem conservation signs are present, forbidding people to catch

fi sh using electricity or poison. “Soon, we will also put up warnings against hunting, logging,

and sand mining in the Merapi slopes,” Muji said.

Muji said that thanks to the new village ordinance, villagers are becoming more aware of pro-

tecting the forest and environment around Merapi.

“The people are becoming more confi dent about what they should do when they see environ-

mental problems. Whenever they see deforested land, they are compelled to begin reforesta-

tion eff orts, either in groups or individually,” he said.

“Ngargomulyo’s village ordinance has also inspired other villages in the Merapi slopes to enact

similar ordinances. I’m hopeful that through this village ordinance, the forest ecosystem will

be restored.”

Stakeholders in West Java were brought together under ESP-facilitated

conservation initiatives. A multi-party approach, linking upstream and

downstream communities, as well as government offi cials from relevant

offi ces, has helped improve environmental quality.

Tardan Setiawan, Director of the Clean Water Supply Department at Bandung municipal water

company, acknowledged that cooperation with communities, especially those living upstream,

have greatly helped the company.

“ESP helped us connect with the upstream communities and relieved some of our work load,”

Tardan said.

Tardan felt that ESP conducted its program with impressive consideration for the community’s

socio-economic conditions. Such approach has nurtured positive local attributes, including

gotong royong, or mutual assistance.

“Conservation does not simply consist of re-greening or tree planting activities; it also consists

of many other activities suitable to specifi c local conditions. And I believe this is what ESP is

doing. They are educating the community and encouraging them to work for a better future,”

he said.

Multi-Party Approach: LINKING UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM

ESP helped us connect with the upstream

communities and relieved some of our

work load

tated

and

ESP helped us connect with the upstream

communities andrelieved some of our

work load“

“PAGE 26

Tardan knows that persuading vegetable farmers to

plant tree crops on their plots is a challenge, but through

the Field School, the community learned how tree crops

can also serve hydrological functions. Overtime, they

overcame their reluctance, and were willing to plant

trees.

One of the activities conducted by Bandung municipal

water company with upstream communities is a joint

eff ort to reduce water loss. According to Tardan, many

large cities tend to have considerable levels of water

loss. The ideal limit for water loss is around 20 percent,

but some have experienced losses of up to 50 percent.

The cause could be attributed to both technical and

administrative factors.

To prevent excessive water loss and ensure long term water availability, the water company

has conducted regreening in Cikapundung River’s upstream region, in collaboration with

communities around the area. For the short term, the company helped by providing Biopori, a

simple method to improve absorption. They also constructed infi ltration wells to absorb water

run off . At this moment, Bandung municipal water company needs 4,600 liters of water per

second. However, current production can only supply 2,620 liters of water per second.

Tardan hopes that in the future, these multi-party collaborations can be maintained with assistance

from professional institutions, including universities. He is concerned that without supervision

and assistance, the community’s goodwill might be misused by irresponsible parties.

“Through ESP’s programs and activities, working with the communities actually feels fun,”

he said.

A multi-party approach, linking upstream and downstream communities, as well as government offi cials from relevant offi ces, has helped improve environmental quality

Through ESP’s programs

and activities, working with

the communities actually feels fun

The Jruek Balee nursery in Aceh is consistently expanding, creating

new jobs, and positively impacting the community’s economy. District

heads, local and international NGOs, students, lecturers, and even Free

Aceh Movement’s ex-combatants, have visited the nursery to learn

about producing seedlings and developing organic farming.

Jruek Balee is a village in Jruek sub-District, Aceh Besar District. The Krueng Aceh (Aceh River)

fl ows through the village on its way to Banda Aceh.

When ESP began its Sustainable Livelihood Assessment (SLA) in this village in May 2006, the

villagers suggested that ESP carry out environmental conservation activities. One suggestion

was to create a nursery so that empty plots and abandoned plantations could be replanted

and made productive again.

No one was willing to off er their land for the nursery, until a villager named Husin stepped

forward. He allowed part of his land to be used, free of charge. Husin’s land is located quite

far from the villagers’ homes. Due to the armed confl ict at the time, visiting the nursery felt

almost like entering a war zone.

Husin and his partner Asnawi were invited by ESP to attend a nursery training in Medan.

They also supplied 3,500 high-quality rambutan seedlings and polybags, or black plastic bags

where the seedlings would grow. Jruek Balee villagers were given the seedlings, provided

that they trade one high-quality rambutan seedling for 20 seeds of another fruit (mango,

durian, etc).

A Nursery’s Success:SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT IN ACEH

With knowledge of plant propagation,

Husin and his partner Asnawi

developed high-quality seedlings

ating

strict

Free



developed high-quality seedlings“

“PAGE 28

The program was met with an enthusiastic response.

One villager even brought a sack fi lled with fruit

seeds to be exchanged for the high-quality rambutan

seedlings. Tens of thousands of seeds were collected

in a short period of time. These seeds would be grown

and used in the grafting process. With knowledge of

plant propagation learned in Medan, Husin and his

partner Asnawi developed high-quality seedlings.

A number of activities, such as orders for seedlings and

organic fertilizer, sending out trainers to teach seedling

techniques, and providing fi eld laboratory facilities,

have generated income for Jruek Balee villagers.

Sawdust, rice husks, and animal waste, which was

previously thrown away without any consideration

for the environment, are now being collected by the villagers and used as raw materials to

produce organic fertilizer. Vegetables planted by Jruek Balee farmers have been selling well

because customers value quality produce using organic fertilizer.

This success has convinced the Aceh branch of Bank Syariah Mandiri to provide Rp. 100 million

in soft loans for Husin and his friends. The farmers group produces an average of 50-100

bokasi (organic fertilizer) per month. Approximately 60% of their revenue is given back to the

community, as payment for their collection of organic fertilizer raw materials.

Activities are continuing to expand, from seedling development and the harvesting cocoa,

potatoes and organic vegetables, to the production of bokasi, liquid fertilizer, and bio-

pesticides. Through these practices, the plantation has evolved from a terrifying place and

become a center of action and hope.

Jruek Balee community-based nursery has become a learning place, visited by people who wants to know more about planting

The plantation has evolved from a

terrifying place and become a center of

action and hope

Arisan is a familiar term in Indonesia, especially among housewives. The arisan is a community initiative that gives individuals or families the opportunity to access a large amount of capital at one time. This promotes investment in seemingly expensive endeavors, such as constructing a bathroom, renovating a home, or in the case of Argosari

Village, generating biogas.

In Argosari Village, Malang District, East Java, the arisan has become the community’s preferred

method for creating an energy independent village. Over the course of the arisan, each

member contributes to a large pool of money by paying specifi ed amounts at set intervals

(usually monthly). At each interval, members take turns hosting gatherings whereby members

compete to win the jackpot. With capital collected from the arisan, the villagers are able to

invest in generating energy.

Argosari is a remote village in the eastern part of Malang District. It faces plenty of environmental

challenges including degraded forest areas, pollution, diminishing springs, and an increasing

amount of unmanaged cow manure. A survey conducted by a farmer’s group revealed that, on

average, each family requires half a bundle of fi rewood for their daily needs. According to this

average, each family consumes approximately 180 bundles of fi rewood in a year, destroying 4

trees aged 10 - 15 years old.

To tackle these environmental problems, ESP facilitated meetings between villagers to develop

solutions. They analyzed potential local resources that could be further developed in the village.

One of their ideas was to turn cow manure into biogas.

Creating An Energy Independent Village: COMMUNITY-BASED BIOGAS INITIATIVE

This biogas idea is great, but we didn’t have the money to

make it a reality

wives.milies

Thish

This biogas idea isgreat, but we didn’thave the money to

make it a reality“

“PAGE 30

“Strange, how is it possible to use animal waste as fuel?”

asked one of the dairy farmers from Bendrong Hamlet, as

he observed a plastic biogas installation. Their curiosity

led the villagers to eagerly explore the use biogas as

a viable alternative fuel source. However, they lacked

the start-up capital to begin constructing a biogas

installation of their own.

“This biogas idea sounded great, but we didn’t have

the money to make it a reality,” said Buono, one of the

villagers.

Eventually, the villagers agreed on the idea of a biogas

arisan. Each arisan member must contribute Rp. 75,000

to the pool every month. With 25 members contributing

to the pool, the monthly winner will win almost

USD$200, giving them the opportunity to invest in a

household biogas unit. Over the course of the arisan, every member will build their own unit

with the assistance of their fellow Argosari neighbors.

In addition to meeting their daily fuel needs, the biogas unit also allows them to sell excess

energy to supplement their family income. Today, the unmanaged piles of cow manure have

been organized by the community members. Every day, the manure provides cost-eff ective

energy and environmentally friendly benefi ts for the entire community.

Construction of the fi rst biogas installation began in January 2009. The community estimated

that they would require approximately two years to construct the 25 anticipated biogas units.

The biogas produced by Argosari has inspired others to implement similar environmentally-

friendly initiatives. For example, in early 2009 the chemical manufacturer PT Petrokimia Gresik

provided two pregnant cows valued at Rp. 30 million to each farmer’s group in Argosari.

“When every dairy farmer has a biogas installation, I’m sure this village would become energy

independent,” said Slamet, an Argosari villager.

“There are many advantages to using biogas,” said Wasis, the arisan member who had won the fi rst

lottery. Before his biogas installation, his daily activities involved gathering grass for his livestock,

transporting animal waste to a place far from his home, and searching for fi rewood in the forest

3 kilometers away. Now, the waste from his livestock replaces his need for fi rewood. Wasis can

now focus on gathering grass and also has time to pursue his other interests. According to Wasis,

cooking with biogas also keeps his cooking utensils clean and maintains their quality. “I no longer

have to scrub the utensils when I am fi nished cooking,” said Misna, Wasis wife.

Today, Argosari is slowly transforming into a clean and beautiful village. Residents are proud

observers of the visible impact they have made. More importantly, housewives no longer have

to trek to the forest in search of fi rewood. They have an environmentally-friendly energy source

at their fi ngertips.

To tackle environmental problems, ESP facilitated meetings between villagers to come up with solutions and discover potential resources that can be further developed in the village. One of the ideas was to turn cow manure into biogas

“When every dairy farmer has a biogas installation, I’m sure this village will be

energy independent

The drafting of Papua’s Provincial Spatial Plan uses an innovative

“swakelola” or self-reliant approach. This approach diverges signifi cantly

from conventional consulting practices. It gives the Regional Development

Planning Agency, or Bappeda, the core responsibility in drafting the Spatial

Plan.

Papua Province is endowed with abundant natural resources. It has vast forest, gas and mineral

reservoirs, fi shery and plantation prospects, as well as tourism potential. Ironically, even with so

many natural resources, most Papuans still live below the poverty line.

A Spatial Plan that can accommodate the interests and desires of the community is necessary

for putting people, especially indigenous Papuans and marginalized populations, into the Plan.

The Indonesian Government, through The Spatial Planning Law No. 26/2007, mandated Papua

Province draw up a Provincial Spatial Plan to be enacted no more than two years after the

Spatial Planning Law was passed. The Provincial Spatial Plan will be Papua’s Spatial Master Plan,

guiding the next 20 years and accommodating the utilization of space for all Papuans.

“We hope that the Spatial Plan can answer the Papuan paradox, where population is small

and natural resources are abundant, yet its people remain poor,” said Alex Sumasap, head of

Papua Provincial-level Bappeda. A third party was requested by Bappeda to help facilitate open

communication between the government and the people, a role taken by ESP in late 2008.

The swakelola approach to Papua’s Spatial Plan was introduced by ESP and the Foreign and Common-

wealth Offi ce of the United Kingdom (FCO) at the request of Governor Alex Suebu in 2008.

Putting People In The Plan: A “SWAKELOLA” APPROACH TO SPATIAL PLANNING

A Spatial Plan that can accommodate

interests and desires of the community is necessary for putting

people into the Plan

ative

antly

ment

A Spatial Plan that can accommodate

interests and desires of the community isnecessary for putting

people into the Plan

“

“PAGE 32

ESP’s swakelolah approach is expected to guide

subsequent District and village-level spatial planning

in ways which engage key stakeholders and ensure

lasting respect by government agencies, the private

sector, and local communities. It encourages closer and

more dynamic inter-institutional linkages, horizontally

with other provincial government agencies, as well

as vertically, down to Sub-districts and up to National

agencies, yielding more reliable and effi cient information

sharing about plans, programs and databases with

spatial implications. Bappeda has further strengthened

inter-institutional linkages by inviting NGOs and other

partners into the information-sharing and response

process.

ESP’s approach is notably diff erent from the past. Previous Spatial Plan drafts submitted by third

parties were rife with problems. In the interest of being quick and cost eff ective, these Spatial

Plans lacked accurate data and provided limited consultation with important stakeholders.

Oftentimes data produced by consultants was inconsistent with observed fi eld conditions,

creating discrepancies in resulting land utilization.

A bottom-up approach for drafting the Spatial Plan would enable specifi c approaches that

conform to the community’s interests, needs, customary rights and indigenous patterns, with

special attention to land-use practices.

“As the community maps their regions, there will be discussions to secure mutual approval. This

is crucial to avoid confl ict.” Abner Mansai said.

The end product of this swakelolah spatial planning process is a Provincial Regulation outlining

Papua’s Spatial Plan. At this moment, the generated reports and maps are being formatted in

legal language to become the draft Provincial Regulation. Produced by experts from various

backgrounds, with support from ESP, Provincial-level Bappeda, District-level Bappeda, and

Provincial Administrator Work Unit (SKPD), these reports will be released in December 2009.

Daswil Bakar, Head of Monitoring and Development for Bappeda says, “We are so excited because

we have achieved our aspirations. Moreover, if this system can be extended to the district level, we

see the possibility of agreements between the districts over accurate data.” This is an important

factor, as local data often varies signifi cantly from offi cial statistics.

ESP’s emphasis on a swakelolah approach helps bridge diff erences that arise between various

institutions involved in the drafting process. As a result, it resolves confl icts that were once

considered unsurpassable. Most importantly, it promotes mutual ownership and responsibility

for the future development of Papua.

One map included in Papua’s Spatial Plan using an innovative “swakelola” or self-reliant approach

A bottom-up approach for Spatial

Planning enables specifi c approaches that conform to the

community’s interests

Nofaldi, ESP’s Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, believes

that it is impossible to prepare Papua’s Regional Spatial Plan without an

Information Systems Laboratory. Known as “Lab Simtaru”, Nofaldi considers

the laboratory a resource center that plays an integral part in promoting

transparent implementation and enforcement of Papua’s Spatial Plan.

Papua’s Spatial Plan is the direct responsibility of the Regional Development Planning Board

(Bappeda). ESP off ers institutional capacity building and expert assistence to support their work.

Nofaldi and other ESP GIS experts are tasked with re-activating the under-resourced Spatial

Information System Laboratory (Lab Simtaru) to support spatial planning at the provincial,

district, and city level.

Lack of human resources at the Regional Development Planning Board (Bappeda) caused Lab

Simtaru to lay dormant. It was last used during the Land & Marine Resource and Evaluation

(LREP & MREP) project in the 1990s. However, with the fresh exchange of knowledge with ESP

in 2008, and the goal of developing the capacity of Bappeda’s staff to prepare Papua’s Provincial

Spatial Plan, Lab Simtaru underwent an enormous transformation.

The laboratory now serves as a data and information compilation center, where people can

access and contribute up-to-date information about population, income level, and maps as

reference tools. The resources contained within Lab Simtaru are very valuable for the analysis

necessary to prepare Papua’s Spatial Plan.

Information Resource Center:PROMOTING TRANSPARENCY

Without Lab Simtaru, the new Spatial

Plan would have no reliable method of

enforcement

ieves

ut an

iders

Without Lab Simtaru, the new Spatial

Plan would have no reliable method of

enforcement“

“PAGE 34

For comprehensive coverage, the lab also integrates

maps from various organizations including Conservation

International, WWF, Samdhana Institute, Association

for Assessment and Empowerment of Indigenous

People (Perkumpulan Pengkajian dan Pemberdayaan

Masyarakat Adat), and Environmental Foundation

(Yayasan Lingkungan Hidup).

“Without Lab Simtaru, the new Spatial Plan would have

no reliable method of enforcement. For example, if I

want to open a palm oil plantation in Jayapura District,

I can now refer to the Spatial Plan document to fi nd out

whether the site I’ve selected is part of a national park

and thus, off limits.”

“With help from the database and maps in Lab Simtaru, I wouldn’t just fi nd out why I can’t locate

my plantation in a national park. I would also discover suitable locations for my plantation that

are specifi cally allocated for such use,” Nofaldi said.

Nofaldi added that the Spatial Plan does contain geographical information, but other data such

as dynamic maps, in either printed or digital form, are centrally stored at Lab Simtaru.

“Various departments and institutions hold maps that only suit their specifi c needs. The Public

Works Offi ce has a development map, while the Forestry Offi ce has a conservation map. We can

only imagine how many diff erent maps are being generated for the same area. Centrally storing

the maps at Lab Simtaru helps open up information about the general direction of Jayapura’s

spatial use,” said Nofaldi.

Abner, a law and policy expert from WWF Indonesia, also agrees that the Spatial Information

System Laboratory should be re-activated. “For optimal operation of the laboratory, it must build

the quality of its human resources.”

In the future, Lab Simtaru will face numerous challenges, especially funding issues for the

maintenance of maps, equipment, satellite images, Papua’s aerial photos, and other stored

materials. The existence of the laboratory must also be publicized to the public and promoted

through the internet. Furthermore, the laboratory will need staff to serve public requests for data.

This way, Lab Simtaru can fulfi ll its main purpose, as an open information center, available to

everyone.

The laboratory now serves as a data and information compilation center, where people can access and contribute up-to-date information

For optimal operation of the

laboratory, it must build the quality of

its human resources

Village focuses on the innovative activities being implemented by robust community

groups. These stories illustrate how local farmer groups, like those formed in Aceh by ex-

combatants, off er environmentally-friendly sources of income. Stories from Central and West

Java show how informal discussion forums, and nature rehabilitation movements advocate

for environmental issues at the regional and National level. East Java introduces us to how

community groups have found win-win solutions that protect and conserve the environment

by working alongside local water supply companies. These farmer groups are continually

working to improve their organizational and management capacities, like JAE in Sumatra, in

order to promote long term impact for generations to come.

Village

The peace agreement between the Free Aceh Movement and Indone-

sian Government, signed on August 15th, 2005, left ex-combatants for

the Free Aceh Movement in a diffi cult situation. Many were without

employment and forced to work menial jobs to support their fami-

lies. The cocoa farming program is a part of ESP’s support for the Aceh

Green program initiated by Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf.

One such ex-combatant is 35-years-old Masri MD, a resident of Pantee Kuyun Village, Aceh

Jaya. To make ends meet, he took a job as a truck driver that only provides meager income.

One of his customers is ESP’s branch in Aceh. One day, at the end of 2008, they asked him to

deliver cocoa seedlings to be planted by the members of Krueng Lageuen Concern Forum,

a community group that focuses on conservation eff orts in the area around Krueng Lageuen

River.

“As I saw people hauling away cocoa seedlings from the truck to the planting area, I began

thinking that I should try to plant cocoa too in my yard. I have nothing to lose if I fail, but if I

succeed, I’ll have extra income,” Masri said.

Eventually, he picked up several cocoa seedlings that were left unplanted and planted them

in his yard. His new hobby turned out to consume a large amount of his time. ESP staff who

visited Pantee Kuyun Village were impressed by Masri’s dedication in caring for the cocoa

seedlings and supplied him with 300 additional seedlings.

Put Down the Guns, Pick up the Pruning Shears:COCOA FARMING IN ACEH

I have nothing to lose if I fail, but if I succeed, I’ll have

extra income

ndone-

ants for

without

I have nothing to lose if I fail, but if Isucceed, I’ll have

extra income“

“

ESP also sent Masri and other Pantee Kuyun villagers on a training and comparative study trip

to a cocoa plantation in Medan on February 2009. “I’ve learned quite a lot,” Masri recalled, “from

propagating cocoa plants to making compost and controlling pests with natural pesticides.”

Masri is currently heading the Pioneering Cocoa Farmers Group in Aceh Jaya, which consists of

ten farmers from throughout Aceh Jaya. For at least ten days a month, members of the group

are invited by NGOs, donor agencies, government offi ces, or academic institutions in Aceh to

provide trainings about cocoa farming. The cocoa seedlings are now thriving in Masri’s yard.

However, another year is needed before the plants are mature enough to be harvested.

Tengku Miswar, another ex-combatant living in Teunom Sub-District, has begun to devote

more time to cocoa farming.

“My cocoa trees have not produced fruit for two years and I thought they would never bear

fruit again. So I started to plant rubber trees in the gaps between cocoa trees to eventually

replace them. However, after I learned some cocoa farming techniques and received some

help from the Pioneering Group to care for my trees, it turned out that the cocoa trees can

still fl ower. I was amazed to see so many fl owers blooming on my cocoa trees. I hope that my

cocoa garden can help me give my family a better future,” Masri said. I hope that my cocoa garden can help me

give my family a better future

The cocoa farming program is a part of ESP’s support for the Aceh Green program initiated by Aceh Governor Irwandi Yusuf.

The Field School approach initialized the mobilization of community

groups to address both economic livelihood and sanitation challenges

in Magelang, East Java. As a result more than 70 families take shared

responsibility for communal cattle pens, increading their incomes and

keeping their homes free from cattle.

Approximately 3,000-square meters of land belonging to the village head, and commonly

known as bengkok, has undergone a transformation. The village head has erected bamboo

sheds which surround a large central gazebo structure.

The gazebo serves as a meeting hall for the locals and is frequently used by the ESP Field

School (FS) program for neighboring villages. The bamboo pens function as a communal

animal pen owned by the residents of Citrosono Village, Gabrak Sub-district, Magelang

District.

‘’Everyone wants to do well, to have a lot of cattle that sell at a high price. Also, the

neighborhood is clean because the pen is situated here, far from people’s homes,” said

Mutafi in, 27, when asked about the purpose of building the pen and gazebo.

Mutafi in owned one cow which was hosted at one of the communal sheds. The cow is the

result of his hard work. His initial herd of three goats eventually grew to nine goats, all of

which he then sold to buy a cow.

Field School Solutions: RAISING CATTLE COMMUNALLY

Everyone wants to do well, to have a lot of cattle that sell at a

high price

munity

llenges

shared

Everyone wants to do well, to have a lotof cattle that sell at a

high price“

“

Raising cattle was Mutafi in’s side job. While tending

to his dry fi eld, he searched for grass in the Mount

Telomoyo forest. After attending the ESP Field School

in early 2008, Mutafi in described how he and a number

of local villagers envisioned the construction of a

communal pen separate from the locals’ homes.

The idea, laid down in a village program proposal, was

met with positive feedback from many other village

residents. One of them was the village chief, who

supported the concept by providing a 3,000-square

meter plot of land. In less than a month, the bengkok

plot, which was formerly only planted with corn once

a year, had turned into a more lucrative community-

managed cattle pen.

More than 70 families take responsibility for maintaining the cattle pens. The area is further

equipped with a village nursery unit, sanitation facility, and bamboo-based meeting hall. The

Dlimas Manunggal Cattle Group functions as a cooperative and often gathers in the meeting

hall to discuss management and maintenance of the cattle pen.

Muntafi in explained how the bengkok plot was then compartmentalized into 4x6-meter lots.

He took up one lot and built a shed on it with old pieces of wood. “We only have to pay

Rp. 20,000/year to occupy that plot. All of the lots are taken, but not all of the villagers have

opted to build sheds. If they had, there would be hundreds of them,” he said.

The community made use of the rich vegetation surrounding the area as a source of cattle

feed. Almost all families who lived on the forest perimeter owned cattle or goats. They shared

their living space with their herd, sometimes only separated by a wall or bamboo weaving.

Despite frequent bouts of diarrhea and malaria, the community was reluctant to connect their

illness to their proximity to their livestock understand the unhygienic cattle’s eff ect on their

health. They argued that sharing their home made it easier for them to watch over their herd.

“It makes it easier for us to feed them or give them water in the evening. If they’re far away,

feeding them would take extra eff ort. Worse still, if the cows are pregnant or calving, the owner

would have to work extra hard for them if their shed is far away from the house,” said Zaenuddin,

45, the Chairman of the Dlimas Manunggal Cattle Group.

Dlimas Manunggal has 20 members so far, all of them keeping their herds in the communal

pens. They also share night watch duties to keep away thieves.

Zaenuddin admitted that he felt the benefi ts of having a cattle pen separate from his house.

‘’We now use one of the old sheds for storing farming tools and equipment. The house also

looks cleaner and fl ies don’t show up like they used to,” he said.

The house also looks cleaner and fl ies don’t

show up like they used to

Mutafi in feeds cattle in one of the communal cattle pens as a result of the Field School’s community Action Plan

Water resources are often exploited beyond the ability for preservation.

Keeping water fl owing requires cooperation from all parties, especially

the direct benefi ciaries. This is exactly what Bambang Parianom, the

Head of Environmental Offi ce, Malang, had in mind when he invited a

number of parties to join his initiative to preserve water resources.

Bumiaji Sub-District is a highland area adjacent to Mojokerto District and Malang District. The

area contains at least 57 springs. They serve as the principle raw water supply for municipal

water companies (PDAM). As years go by, these springs have lost their capacity by up to 50

percent. If the situation is not immediately corrected, these water resources will dry up within

20 years and the residents of Malang Raya (comprised of Batu City, Malang City, and Malang

District) will experience severe water crisis.

Based on the available data, at least 4,000 hectares of forest in Bumiaji Sub-District have been

lost or converted for other uses. Forest belonging to State Forest Company (Perhutani) suff ered

even worse, with more than 6,000 hectares being lost or converted for other uses. These losses

aff ect the amount of water fl owing from Sumber Brantas Arboretum, decreasing its debit from

12 cubic meters per second to merely 2 cubic meters per second. In 2002, water completely

stopped fl owing due to landslides from the surrounding hills.

Sumber Brantas Village is part of Bumiaji reservoir. The source of Brantas River is springs from

this village. The hydroelectric dam at Karangkates, Malang District, also depends on the water

supply from the area.

Water Catchment Collaboration: WATER USERS PROMOTE CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Bumiaji is a part of Brantas River. If

the environment is damaged, repair eff orts

must be conducted immediately

tion.

cially

, the

Bumiaji is a part of Brantas River. If

the environment is damaged, repair eff orts

must be conducted immediately“

“

“Bumiaji lies on the upper part of Brantas River. If the

environment around these parts is damaged, repair

eff orts must be conducted immediately,” he said.

For months, Bambang Parianom went in and out of

villages around Bumiaji, trying to determine the cause

of forest destruction and the roots of environmental

problems in the area under his administration. Bambang

also encouraged the villagers to preserve their springs.

However, without cooperation from other stakeholders,

Bambang and the Bumiaji residents’ eff orts would be

futile.

By the end of December 2006, Bambang managed to

organize approximately 1,000 volunteers from various

backgrounds to join the Bumiaji Nature Rehabilitation Intensifi cation Movement (Gerakan

Intensifi kasi Rehabilitasi Alam Bumiaji - GIRAB).

The movement aims to develop and utilize Bumiaji’s potential so that natural resources can be

used sustainably. Also involved is PT Pembangkit Jawa Bali (PT PJB), which has been using the

Brantas River to power its Sutami Karangkates Hydroelectric Plant in Malang District. PJB is a

subsidiary of State Electricity Company (PLN) that supplies 6,530 MW of electric power for Java.

At the time, PJB allocated about 110 million Rupiah to support environmental conservation

activities in Bumiaji. The fund was then used to buy about 2,000 seedlings to be planted in critical

degraded areas.

Eventually, more and more stakeholders became involved in Bumiaji’s environmental activities,

including State Forest Company (Perhutani), PT Jasa Tirta, and Raden Soeryo Community-

Based Forest Park (Taman Hutan Rakyat Raden Soeryo), resulting in more than 100,000 trees

being planted in degraded land around the villages of Sumber Brantas, Tulungrejo, Bulukerto,

Sumbergondo, Punten, Gunung Sari, and Giripurno.

Today, three years have passed since the momentous cooperative movement. More time

is needed for the trees to grow big enough to serve as an eff ective water catchment area.

Communities should also be continuously encouraged to maintain the planted trees.

To prevent conservation activities from becoming merely ceremonial events and to make their

impact last longer, the local government should enact regulations to better manage water

resources. The regulations should also include rules to preserve water resources. Unfortunately,

existing regulations are only concerned with water use levies, and lack obligations for preserving

water resources. The regulations should involve all stakeholders, from local government, residents,

water companies, and water resources managers.

“It takes patience and determination to run a sustainable conservation program,” Bambang said.

Tree-planting activities are not just about burrying seedling in the soil, but also about maintaining and taking care of them



developed high-quality seedlings

When it comes to conservation and environmental protection,

Magelang District Government has shown us the importance of an

integrated eff ort. The Village Action Plan is a result of informal, yet

robust, discussion forums which have garnered signifi cant local &

national level attention.

Spearheading Magelang’s conservation initiatives is the Coordination Team for Planning Fund

Utilization to Conserve Water Resources, from Magelang District Government. The Team has

created and implemented environmental conservation programs in a clear, targeted, and

sustainable manner, using conservation funds provided by the Magelang District’s water

utility (PDAM).

Conservation funding is quite strong. In fi scal year 2008, the amount provided was Rp. 800

million (USD 80,000), with an implementation team comprised of 6 government agencies

and 3 non-governmental organizations. In 2009, the amount provided was increased to Rp. 1.3

billion (USD 130,000), with an implementation team comprised of 10 government agencies

and 6 non-governmental organizations, including, among others, The Regional Development

Planning Board (Bappeda), Environmental Service, Animal Husbandry and Fishery Service,

Administration of Merbabu National Park, Administration of Merapi National Park, Offi ce of the

Ministry of Mining and Energy, NGOs (Gaspari, Mentari, and Parikopi), and ESP.

However, the availability of funds doesn’t automatically translate to eff ective implementation

of conservation programs. In fact, team leader Bambang Dono Kuncoro revealed that

problems arise from the bureaucracy itself.

Local Water Regulation: CULTIVATING UNDERSTANDING THROUGH “REBOAN” FORUM

When the community needs something, they

plan for it through the Village Action

Plan

tection,

e of an

mal, yet

When thecommunity needs something, they

plan for it throughthe Village Action

Plan“

“This way, we can work side by side to improve Magelang District’s worsening

environmental condition

Field School participants conducting a water quality monitoring activity

“Bureaucrats are used to carrying out programs by

breaking it down into projects. A program is considered

done when every activity has been carried out with the

accompanying formal record as evidence,” he said.

Bambang added that another problem is that

development planning was often conducted without

considering regional conditions and only from the

perspective of each agency.

“There is not yet an integrated planning system to deal

with environmental problems in a region,” he said.

Faced with such obstacles, the team moved quickly by

organizing an informal discussion forum held on each

Wednesday. To emphasize the informality, the meeting

is dubbed “Jamaah Reboan,” meaning “the Wednesday get together”. The forum becomes a

medium for sharing insights, lessons learned, and ideas about how to carry out water source

conservation in a realistic manner.

“We needed a year before the bureaucrats began to put aside their institutional ego. To break

through the often imaginary barriers that limited them to their own main duties and functions,

and made them willing to accept criticism from NGOs. Diffi cult as it is, we view it as a dynamic

and necessary process for moving forward,” Bambang Dono Kuncoro said.

The Wednesday meetings have managed to break down walls between members with

diff ering opinions. By the second year, the meetings’ atmosphere had grown less tense and the

team held serious discussions, while still cracking jokes. Team member interaction has become

more fl uid. Oftentimes, a call for a meeting can be conveyed simply by short text message to

each team member’s cell phone.

Through the debates, the multiparty team found two central themes for their activities: (1)

conservation should be a part of overall village development and (2) a good conservation

program needs a hydro-geological assessment.

Bambang Heri Subrastowo, a team member and head of the Wana Hijau Lestari Forest Village

Community Institution (LMDH) in Sambak Village, said that the multiparty team refl ects not

just the success of environmental service program, but also the learning process for the

community.

“Bottom-up development planning is becoming the norm. When the community needs

something, they plan for it through the village Activion Plan,” he said.

He also hoped that the implementation of environmental service activities would not

emphasize on theory, but also practice. “This way, the farmers, the community, and the

government can work side by side to improve Magelang District’s challenging environmental

condition.”

Environmental awareness can be fostered, as proven by the people of

Tangkil Village in Caringin Sub-District, Bogor District, West Java. The

Field school approach empowered Tangkil Village to actively solve “living

problems” by fostering participation, confi dence, dialogue, joint decision-

making and self-determination.

Tangkil Village lies in an area adjacent to Gede-Pangrango National Park (TNGP). Home to 8,400

people, the 664 area is primarily occupied by seasonally paid farmers and herders of chickens

and goats. Towards the end of 2007, ESP conducted a Field School in collaboration with Yayasan

Prakarsa and Raptor Conservation Society (RCS), a local bird conservation group in Cibodas,

Cianjur.

Ciburial spring is the main raw water resource for the local water company (PDAM) Tirta Pakuan

Bogor. The PDAM relies heavily on the spring to expand water services for anticipated piped

connections. As part of the Field School, participants identifi ed environmental problems.

Manta, 45, a Tangkil local who joined the Field School in 2007 explained his concerns for his

forest. The Field School participants are concerned that villagers are mono-cropping in the

forest; this can be potentially damaging to the environment and dangerous for the villagers,

due to increased risks of landslide. Trees are important for slowing down rain water so as to

promote better absorption in the ground. In addition to increasing water supply for the spring,

trees are also serving to reduce landslide risks.

Living Problems:FIELD SCHOOL PRODUCESHIGH HOPES

The Field School has given the villagers an alternative solution to development in the village, while

still preserving the environment

le of

The

iving

The Field School has given the villagers an alternative solution to development in the village, while

still preserving the environment

“

“

At the end of their training in early 2008, Field School

participants agreed to form Saluyu farmer’s group. This

group devised an Action Plan to improve their livelihood

while simultaneously fostering forest conservation.

At the Field School, participants received trainings about

growing endemic seedlings and identifying the best

seedling quality. After fi ve years, the farmers harvest

some trees and plant other seedlings to replace them.

By acknowledging the important role trees play, farmers

are encouraged to maintain a healthy crop and tree

balance.

Manta has been serving as the head of the Saluyu

farmer’s group since 2008. Together with ESP, they

continue to plant trees. Seedlings donated by ESP were

sown in a 5-by-2-meters plot and subsequently planted in the land belonging to each group

member. The resulting crops will be shared by the village government, landowners, and Saluyu

farmer’s group.

With the awareness of the economical value of a tree, and the importance of forest conservation

in the long term, the people of Tangkil Village now realize the impact forest conservation directly

has on their lives.

The villagers added additional livelihood skills to their Action Plan, including environmental

friendly farming like: farming catfi sh, raising rabbits and sheep, sewing and embroidery, and

community-based solid waste management. In addition to the development of Action Plans,

the Field School also taught the participants about organizing, implementing and monitoring

community-based knowledge and activities.

“The Field School has given the villagers an alternative solution to development in the village,

while still preserving the environment. Sustainable tree planting can prevent landslides and help

preserve water sources,” said Manta.

It is hoped that continuous planting and cultivation in this village will improve the villagers’

welfare. These activities will also minimize unauthorized exploitation of timber and forest land,

especially within TNGP, so that water resources will continue to be an asset for the region for years

to come.

The Field School approach empowered Tangkil Village to actively solve “living problems” by fostering participation, confi dence, dialogue, joint decision-making and self-determination

Sustainable tree planting can prevent landslides and help

preserve water sources

The sound of spirited discussion in Karo language can be heard from

a 6-by-12 square meter house in Tanjung Barus Village, Barus Jahe Sub-

District, Tanah Karo, North Sumatra. Even the pouring rain cannot subdue

the fi erce debate.

“Let’s set aside discussions about the loan. What’s important is that anyone who loaned any

money must pay it back. We should wait for the report in our meeting early next month so we

can discuss our next Action Plan,” said Freden Barus, one of the farmers present in the house.

The debate is part of a monthly meeting conducted by Arih Ersada Network (Jaringan Arih

Ersada - JAE), a farmer’s organization established as a follow-up to Sustainability Livelihood

Assessment (SLA) program and Field School for farmers in 7 villages within Barus Jahe Sub-

District, Tanah Karo. These seven villages: Siberteng, Tanjung Barus, Tangkidik, Penampen,

Gurisen, Kabung, and Serdang, make up an area called Lau Biang, and is part of the largest

watershed in North Sumatra.

Since the method was developed two years ago, people’s enthusiasm for organic farming has

only grown. Eventually, they came to a realization that they must unite and develop a strong

network between villages so as to speed up the expansion of ecological farming.

However, managing community organizations is a new experience for most farmers.

Challenges have arisen that require open discussion. One problem for instance, is about money

management. The farmers who participated in JAE’s trainings often assume that they will be

Building An Organization:FARMER GROUPS DEVELOP MANAGEMENT SKILLS

We were called crazy when we started

the Field School and SLA. So we didn’t care if we were

branded crazy again

from

Sub-

bdue

We were called crazywhen we started

the Field School and SLA. So we didn’tcare if we were

branded crazy again“

“

provided with transportation and food allowance during

trainings. However, JAE lacks the operational funding

capacity to support farmers, leaving them to pay out of

their own pockets.

“After several training sessions, we would tell the

participants that there’s no budget to buy food and

we’ve been training with funds from the organizers’ own

pocket,” said Berlin Oke Barus, the head of JAE.

A similar situation occurred with Forum Masyarakat

Sibolangit (Formasi) Pelita Kasih, a farmer’s organization

at Deli upstream watershed, North Sumatra. The

organization, which aims to encourage healthy farming

for healthy water resources, is managed based on the

principle of trust and openness.

Unfortunately, this trust lacks support from a strong management model to attend to the

organization’s needs. In addition, a weak administration system is the result of low awareness

regarding organizational structure, leaving the roles and functions of positions unclearly defi ned.

These farmer-led community organizations often require third parties for technical assistance to

strengthen their organizational capacity and reputability.

“The main focus is still the community itself. If they’re not ready, then all our eff orts will be in vain,”

said Rukun Sinukaban, the leader of Formasi.

One of the farmers’ pressing problems is product marketing. “Many Formasi members want to sell

produce in markets that value organic products,” Sinukaban continued.

Farmers are often dependent on prices set by collectors, making them eager to fi nd other

marketing outlets. “Take celery for instance. Collectors only paid farmers Rp. 500 per bundle, but

in Medan’s Central Market, a bundle of celery is worth Rp. 4,000. Farmers can’t do anything about

it because the collectors call the shots,” said Taufi k, the head of Ersinalsal, a community group

established following Field School and SLA in Sibayak Valley, Tanah Karo.

To counter the collectors’ infl uence, Formasi Pelita Kasih and Ersinalsal have been actively

encouraging farmers to form their own business units. They are now analyzing various farmer-

based economic management models.

“We were called crazy when we started Field School and SLA. So we didn’t care if we were

branded crazy again. We try to unite farmers to respond to market challenges. We want to

become independent and continue helping farmers long after various programs from ESP and

other agencies supporting us have ended,” Taufi k continued.

Seeing the possibilities from Farmers groups like Formasi is encouraging other farmers to unite

and look to the future.

“We should be focusing on how to attain health and welfare together, and we should grow rich

together,” said Dina Kartika Sari Nasution, ESP fi eld staff in a discussion with farmers in Sibolangit.

Managing community organizations is a new experience for most farmers; challenges have arisen that require open discussion

We should be focusing on how to

attain health and welfare together,

and we should grow rich together

Reef represents the hard work and impressive leadership of stakeholders in downstream

urban and peri-urban sites. These downstream water users work to promote eff ective solid

waste management and well-maintained sanitation facilities. This section begins with a story

about how urban Field School participants have adapted the farmer Field School approach to

address urban-specifi c problems.

Other stories describe how community members like Bu Iyom in West Java are spreading

awareness of solid waste and recycling opportunities to communities throughout Indonesia.

Other community groups, mostly spearheaded by women, promote health and hygiene

education and behavior change. These driven leaders have successfully increased their access

to safe and aff ordable water and sanitation facilities and have begun rolling-out a Clean, Green

and Hygiene curriculum for greater Indonesia by leveraging government support.

Reef

Something interesting happened in Pulo Kandang between July and

December 2008. When housewives passed each other during morning

chores, they would inquire, “Are you going to school today?” In the

afternoon, the housewives would be seen making their way to Al Hikmah

Mosque, with bags slung over their shoulders and notebooks in their

hands.

Soon after, people passing by the mosque would hear the housewives discussing garbage, the

lack of clean water, or ways to keep their children from contracting diarrhea.

Pulo Kandang is a low-income neighborhood located only 100 meters from Mal Artha Gading,

a luxurious shopping center in North Jakarta. This densely populated neighborhood is home

to about 4,400 people, mostly working as scavengers, laundry workers, factory workers, public

transportation drivers, and construction workers. They live among semi-permanent houses

made of bamboo, discarded cartoons, wood, and scrap metal, built over a swamp.

The gatherings, scheduled each Tuesday from July to December 2008, were part of a Field School

program conducted by ESP and the local NGO Watsan Action (Yayasan Tirta Lestari). Through

the Field School, Pulo Kandang residents were assisted to identify a number of environmental

problems in their neighborhood.

“As we collected data in our neighborhood, I realized that we have many environmental

problems, especially with sanitation, clean water, and garbage. Garbage and human waste is

dumped into the swamp, but fl ows right back to our homes,” said Hadriyah, a Field School

alumni.

The Urban Field School:TACKLING SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE

Those women are usually quiet and shy,

so I was amazed at how well they could

speak in public, as well as off er

solutions

and

rning

n the

Those women are usually quiet and shy,

so I was amazed at how well they could

speak in public, aswell as off er

solutions

“

“

After 14 classroom meetings, the Field School culminated

in a Field Day, whereby Field School participants

presented their newfound knowledge to local leaders,

integrated health post (Posyandu) workers, community

unit representatives, NGO partners, teachers, and health

clinic staff . Although they appear unassuming, the Field

School participants showed that they could identify the

problems in their neighborhood and come back with

solutions. They sketched maps for the presentation,

showing their neighborhood complete with public

sanitation facilities, such as public toilets, garbage

dumps, and ground water sources.

“Human waste contains bacteria that can be transferred

back into the human body through contaminated water,

fl ies, and dirty hands, subsequently causing diarrhea,” explained Iin, a Field School participant as

she held a diagram titled “Germ Transfer Cycle” in front of the invited guests.

To overcome sanitation problems identifi ed during the Field School, Pulo Kandang residents

created Action Plans for seven main activities: encouraging behavioral change, increasing the

number of garbage bins and communal sanitation facilities, training for a community-based

garbage processing, water fi ltration, drainage cleaning, and river maintenance.

By the Field Day, Field School participants had already managed to carry out two of their seven

Action Plans: They encouraged behavioral change through a Hand Washing With Soap (HWWS)

campaign in which 80 women and children participated, and they made 8 water fi ltration units,

benefi tting 19 households. Ten more water fi ltration units are currently being built. During the

Field Day, the Field School alums expertly showed their guests how to use their water fi lter. Using

a sand-based slow fi lter, they managed to fi lter swamp water and turn it into clear-looking water

for bathing and washing.

H. Miftah, a religious leader and head of Al Hikmah Islamic Foundation, whose mosque was used

as the Field School location, was impressed with the participants’ ability to clearly explain what

they had learned at the Field School.

“Those women are usually quiet and shy, so I was amazed at how well they could speak in public

to explain the conditions in this neighborhood, as well as off er solutions,” he said.

“We have to help them and the local government should collaborate with us and these women

to fulfi ll their Action Plans,” he added.

In the hands of these women, get-togethers have become a way to practice problem solving

and organizational skills. In addition to their everyday lives, the women still fi nd ways to address

larger health and hygiene issues that plague their neighborhood, and that aff ect the lives of their

families in the long term.

Through the Field School, Pulo Kandang residents were assisted to identify a number of environmental problems in their neighborhood

“The local government should collaborate with us and these women

to fulfi ll their Action Plans

Following years of uncertainty, Jayapura’s municipal water company is

slowly gaining stability. They are preparing to become a local government-

owned company, armed with a clear social mission and strategic vision to

improve the quality of their services. By improving performance, the water

company should be able to expand service delivery and provide clean

water, and an improved quality of life, to its customers.

The fi rst step is to enhance the staff ’s communication skills. From November 12 to November

16, 2009, SPEAK Indonesia and ESP gave communication trainings for 15 Jayapura water

company staff . The goal was to improve their capacity for writing press releases and other

communication. As a result, the staff are more confi dent in their ability to develop materials

such as posters and brochures, conduct communication activities such as press conferences,

build networks with various parties, and improve media relations.

Meyke da Costa, the water company’s Head of Public Relations took part in the training and

refl ected on his experience. “I’ve learned a lot from this training,” he said. “Many things that

seemed impossibly diffi cult now look so easy and attainable, such as drafting press releases

and dealing with journalists.”

Sulistiono, a staff member in the water company’s Public Relations Division, was a participant in

the training. “The training has made me realize that we need to improve the water company’s

image, especially because we have increased our activities and staff is more frequently

communicating with customers,” he said.

Responding to Customer DemandsWATER COMPANIES IMPROVE THEIR IMAGE AND THE QUALITY OF SERVICES

I’ve learned a lot from this training. Many things that seemed impossibly diffi cult

now look so easy and attainable

ny is

ment-

on to

I’ve learned a lot fromthis training. Many things that seemed impossibly diffi cult

now look so easy and attainable“

“

Aside from increasing capacity, the training also

encouraged the production of several communication

strategy documents, developed by the participants

themselves. The water company’s director supported

these documents and integrated them into the water

company’s 2010 Work Plan and 5-year Business and

Corporate Plan. Furthermore, to improve management

and the company’s image, the water company

has allocated 500 million rupiah toward an image

enhancement program.

Trained participants are currently establishing a Customer

Forum, expected to function as a bridge between the

water company and its customers. The Customer Forum

will be a place where people can gather and discuss

customers’ complaints, monitor water use, and receive water bill payments. In order to stay

informed about customer’s perceptions towards the company, the Customer Forum has been

working to gather the thoughts and opinions of community leaders. These leaders will be invited

to take part in the process of establishing a Customer Representative Council.

The eff orts to improve do not stop there. The water company is also planning to survey its

customers’ satisfaction and use the results as a reference for improving service quality in the

future.

“Running the water company is easier now. The knowledge learned by our public relations staff ,

including customer satisfaction surveys and customer relations, has helped us make better

decisions,” said Esau Rumkorem, General Director of Jayapura municipal water company.

Training participants conducting press conference in an eff ort to improve image of PDAM among public and local media

Trained participants are

currently establishing

a Customer Forum, to

function as a bridge

between the water

company and its

customers.

Residential areas in Indonesia lack centralized wastewater treatment

facilities, leading people to fi nd the quickest solutions to deal with

wastewater and human waste. Donor-driven communal wastewater

treatment facilities are the fi rst step, but local leadership and desire to

use and maintain the facilities must come next.

To assist the administration of Medan City in solving their wastewater treatment problem, ESP

came up with a concept for communal wastewater treatment in 2005. ESP introduced the

model to Medan City Regional Development Planning Board (Bappeda) and Housing and

Settlement Offi ce, and to Deli Serdang Regency Bappeda and Cipta Karya Offi ce.

ESP’s fi rst project in 2006 was the improvement of public bathing, washing, and toilet facility

(more popularly known as MCK) at Gang Lampu 1, Kampung Baru Sub-District, Medan Maimun.

Most of the people living there were still treating Deli River as a toilet.

In addition to improving the MCK facility, ESP also built a “ring system” wastewater treatment

facility, consisting of fi ve sewage and human waste treatment wells for 25 families, with a cost of

Rp 50 million jointly shared by ESP, North Sumatra Regional Environmental Impact Management

Agency (Bapedalda), and local NGOs. The community donated a 1.5-by-7-square meter plot of

land, contributed labor, and agreed to self-manage the fi nished facility.

The next project was a wastewater treatment facility built using DEWATS (Decentralized

Wastewater Treatment System) at a fl at rate for low-income families located at Blok A in Medan

Labuan District. The facility can accommodate the needs of 100 households. With DEWATS,

Building Doesn’t Guarantee Use: SUSTAINABLE SANITATION FACILITIES

The desire for a healthier and more

environmentally friendly life greatly improves program

sustainability

ment

with

water

The desire for a healthier and more

environmentallyfriendly life greatly improves program

sustainability“

“

the wastewater travels through several layers of fi lters,

making it safe to be fl ushed into the river.

So far, 13 wastewater treatment facilities have been

built in Medan, both facilitated by ESP or through the

initiatives of local communities and government. These

facilities have provided sanitation benefi ts for more than

5,000 people.

At a crowded neighborhood ini Bagan Deli Sub-District,

Medan Belawan, the administration of Medan City

shouldered the cost of building 2 MCK facilities with

DEWATS technology for 200 households. The residents

participated by donating their land, and managing and

maintaining the facilities.

“We need to look after it because it isn’t a maintenance-free facility. The control box must be

routinely checked to ensure it is free from garbage, like shampoo bottles or soap wrappers,”

said Alamsyah, the Rusunawa manager. Residents are charged Rp 5,000 per month for the

maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility, added directly into their monthly rent. Ucok,

a community leader in Bagan Deli, admits that some people seem to be resistant to change.

Leaders must demonstrate healthy habits so people can understand why sanitation facilities, such

as wastewater treatment or MCK are needed. “Fostering healthy behaviors is a very diffi cult task.

Some listen, but others remain stubborn. They don’t want to change, and that’s why someone

closer to them must set an example,” Ucok said.

According to Ucok, there are about 40 to 50 people using the MCK facility to bathe, wash, or

defecate with two payment options: either Rp 1,000 per visit or Rp 30,000 per household per month.

Unfortunately, payments from residents are often not enough to cover the total maintenance

costs of Rp 300,000 per month. Still, Ucok said diarrhea incidence in his neighborhood has fallen

drastically since the construction of the MCK facility.

The story in Jakarta is slightly diff erent. An MCK++ facility at Community Unit (RW) 08 North

Petojo has been a success as the users have a great sense of ownership. In operation since

September 2007, the MCK facility charges Rp. 5,000 per household, per month. With a monthly

payment mechanism and free use of the facility, children can be seen coming and going to the

MCK++ with their colorful towels to bathe. To cover maintenance cost, the MCK++ applied per

visit charges for outside users.

These stories highlight an important issue: desire for a healthier and more environmentally

friendly life greatly improves the sustainability of a wastewater treatment facility. The government

and the community must be ready to contribute from the beginning to end.

To ensure sustainability, the community must assume responsibility, from setting the appropriate

charges for use of the facility, designing the facility, and ensuring that the facility is properly

maintained. A strong sense of ownership translates to a consistently used, maintained, and

appreciated sanitation facility.

MCK++ facility in Petojo, Jakarta changed the surrounding communities; sanitation is now one of top priorities in their lives

Fostering healthy behaviors is a very

diffi cult task

By increasing awareness and providing basic resources, residents

will independently pursue programs that they perceive will be

environmentally friendly and economically advantageous. The simple

provision of leadership opportunities has led to the development

of dedicated and eff ective, long-lasting program initiatives.

Kampung Bongkaran’s Community Unit (Rukun Warga) 15 and 20 in Tamansari Sub-District,

Bandung, West Java are two neighborhoods lying on the banks of Cikapundung River, hidden

behind the Pasoepati fl yover stretching from east to west.

Everything from food scraps, plastic wraps, to broken furniture has been dumped into

Cikapundung River. Most often than not, these items are carelessly tossed in the river, without

a second thought.

Neighborhood resident Iyom Rochaeni admits to having partaken in similar behavior. She

was unaware of the various consequences of a polluted river. All of her household waste was

dumped directly into the polluted river. Iyom also didn’t realize the latent economic value of

the garbage she was dumping.

In mid 2006, ESP and a local NGO, Coalition for a Healthy West Java (or KuJBS), provided

assistance to both residential units to conduct community-based waste processing.

Beginning with a general discussion, ESP and KuJBS raised awareness about pollution

and further encouraged residents to process the garbage themselves. The fi rst garbage

processing activity they conducted was making compost from wet garbage. This process

Mad About GarbageLEADERSHIP IN RECYCLING

Iyom has provided garbage processing trainings for various community groups, private parties, and even government

institutions

ents

l be

mple

Iyom has providedgarbage processing trainings for variouscommunity groups,private parties, and even government

institutions

“

“

involved women from Community Unit 15 and 20,

including Iyom.

As time passed, Iyom and her friends felt compelled

to do more than simple composting. Following a

short ESP-supported exchange program to Surabaya,

to learn about plastic recycling from ESP cadres in

Wonokromo, Iyom began collecting discarded plastic

wrappers surrounding her home. The plastic garbage

was cleaned and threaded into various products, such

as pencil cases, wallets, dolls, folders, handbags, and

reusable shopping bags.

Iyom’s activities have brought her to many diff erent

places, including Aceh. She has provided garbage

processing training for various community groups, private parties, and even government

institutions. Focused on sharing her skills, life experience, and her dedication to solid waste

recycling, Iyom has motivated others to follow in her footsteps. As a result of her trainings,

cadres from across Indonesia are becoming skilled handicraft recyclers, and are passing on

their knowledge to others.

Now, Iyom’s house is never without guests. From university students, housewives, and even

foreigners visiting Bandung, many people have come to learn about her skill. Her cooperative

has allowed her to bring in additional household income. Each group member produces

approximately 20 products per month, with an average selling price of Rp. 50.000, roughly

USD $5.

Her cooperative has received many awards and recognition for their hard work, including one

from the Mayor of Bandung. She now plans to develop a “garbage bank” for plastic wrappers

and other plastic materials so she and her group in Tamansari have improved access to raw

materials for creating handicrafts.

“I think the people here have become aware that proper management of garbage has many

benefi ts. Our neighborhoods are now cleaner and more comfortable to live in,” said Iyom.

Iyom’s relentless eff orts to save the environment through handicraft-making has insipred others to follow in her footsteps

I think the people have become aware ...our neighborhoods are now cleaner and more comfortable to

live in

The importance of local leadership is overwhelmingly clear in

North Petojo, Jakarta. Positive role models to promote community

involvement and open communication has been key to creating a

successful multi-partner program that addresses community needs.

Who could have imagined that the 120 square meter sanitation facility, dubbed MCK++

(Bathing, Washing, and Toilet Plus-Plus) in Community Unit 08, North Petojo, Jakarta would

be visited by a world renowned leader such as Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton? Or

that the man behind the sanitation facility, Irwansyah Idrus, residential head of Community

Unit 08, would be the proud winner of the 2009 Indonesia Kalpataru Environmental Award

for his eff orts to transform his community?

Back in 1997, Community Unit 08 in North Petojo was a typical example of Jakarta’s many

slums. The area is populated by 3,200 residents, of which 570 lived below the poverty line.

Many homes are not equipped with bathrooms, forcing residents to use gutters or the nearby

banks of Krukut River. High diarrhea incidence among infants and children brought attention

to health and hygiene and its intersection with environmental problems in North Petojo.

In 2005, USAID initiated four projects intended to turn North Petojo into a healthier and cleaner

environment. ESP’s clean water, sanitation, garbage processing, and personal hygiene programs

were implemented in tandem with the Alert Village (Desa Siaga) program for maternal and child

health facilitated by Health Services Program (HSP), the clean drinking water program using Air

Rahmat facilitated by Aman Tirta’s Safe Water Systems (SWS), and a green village program called

“SENYUM” facilitated by Mercy Corps’ Food, Security, and Nutrition program.

Hygiene Champions: LEADING SANITATION EFFORTS

The community has planted 7,000 tree

seedlings and every 3 months residents communally gather

to clean Krukut River

ar in

unity

ng a

The community has planted 7,000 tree

seedlings and every 3 months residentscommunally gather

to cleanKrukut River

“

“

Slowly but surely, residents of Petojo became more aware

of health and hygiene and its importance for a healthy

life. Over the years, countless activities and campaigns

have been held in the community, from local and global

Hand Washing with Soap (HWWS) campaigns, clean

river initiatives, integrated health posts for infants and the

elderly, and “Clean Fridays”, to healthy heart exercises and

tree planting. The community has planted approximately

7,000 tree seedlings and every three months residents

gather to communally clean Krukut River.

More than 30 residents have participated in the solid

waste recycling program under the guidance of 14

environmental cadres. The independent garbage

processing program, initiated in April 2008, has so far

produced 136 kilograms of compost, which is used or sold to neighboring communities. The

local government noticed the program’s success and asked cadres from Community Unit 08 to

provide composting training for other wards in Central Jakarta region, including Galur, Cempaka

Putih, and Menteng. Irwansyah believes one of the most important factors for sustainable

behavioral change is the presence of local leaders. By demonstrating a positive example, local

leaders help to consistently emphasize and prioritize healthy living messages.

“Routinely conveying the message through similarly themed activities helps the community

to understand and implement changed behavior,” he said. “For example, during the cleaning

of Krukut River, local leaders and I took an active role in the activities. This way, we were not

just telling people what to do, because we were participating as well. As a result, they agreed

to join the communal work,” said Irwansyah.In September 2007, the fi rst MCK ++ (Mandi Cuci

Kakus Plus-Plus) building was opened for public use. This is the fi rst public sanitation facility in

Jakarta equipped with a Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) technology.

At this facility, wastewater is treated so as not to pollute Krukut River while solid waste can be

used to produce biogas as fuel for the public kitchen. The residents actively participated during

construction of this facility by donating land and labor.

The success of North Petojo is indebted to local leadership and community involvement. In

addition, integration and synergy between various programs focusing on hygiene, health,

and environment, have greatly accommodated the residents’ real needs. Importantly, news

coverage, social pressure, and government recognition have been key factors in supporting

the programs’ long term impact. Coordination eff orts to implement multipartner programs

cannot happen overnight. Partners must meet regularly to assess community needs and build

mutually reinforcing Action Plans. Success can only possible if those involved are determined and

motivated enough to reach a common perspective and understanding. This, of course, will only

occur if time is taken to emphasize the importance of intense and open communication.

“We are proud because our environmental improvement programs have been successful and

are being showcased everywhere. This is a proof that our hard work has been well received and

recognized. Hopefully our success can be replicated elsewhere,” Irwansyah said.

MCK++ triggered various sanitation activities by communities, including recycling and composting

This is a proof that our hard work has been well received

and recognized. Hopefully our success

can be replicated elsewhere

Bandung municipal water company (PDAM) shows us how a

strong commitment from local government can go a long way

in helping PDAMs restore fi nancial health. This allows PDAMs to

invest in service delivery expansion to customers who need it most.

The recent success of Bandung municipal water company (PDAM) to restructure its debt and

obtain a 73% interest write-off amounting to Rp 252.7 billion is good news, not just for the

company, but also for Bandung’s residents. The water company can now invest and add up

to 10,000 new connections per year.

It all began in 2006, when the company received help from ESP for its debt restructuring

program. This has so far enabled the company to pay back its overdue loans and consequently

improve its operational performance.

One of the requirements for debt restructuring is that the PDAM’s average charge to

customers must be higher than its basic cost. In other words, the rate charged to current

customers must be enough to cover operational expenses.

“Bandung PDAM’s rates were set through a Mayoral Decree in 2001. These rates were not

adjusted for fi ve years, until ESP off ered its assistance in 2006,” said Hadi Pratama, who heads

the Cost Verifi cation Division.

Reducing Debt: ENABLING WATER COMPANIES TO EXPAND SERVICES

Through debt restructuring, the

water company can now invest and add

up to 10,000 new connections

per year

w a

way

Ms to

Through debt restructuring, the

water company can now invest and add

up to 10,000 new connections

per year

“

“

Low rates were making it diffi cult for the PDAM to

pay operational expenses. They also left the company

incapable of making signifi cant investments, such as

installing additional pipes from raw water sources to

supply new connections.

On the other hand, rate increases are sensitive issues

that can potentially cause huge customer protests.

After calculating its needs, Bandung PDAM submitted

a request for a rate increase of 51 percent to the City

Government. The request was then passed on to the

City Parliament. For fi ve months, the PDAM intensively

publicized the rate increase to the public through

a number of NGOs, water-issue experts, consumer

organizations, and the media. The publicity campaign

turned out to be quite eff ective as the rate increase was approved and implemented with

limited objections.

“If you’re classifi ed as a level two household customer and you pay an average of Rp 80,000

per month, you will now be paying Rp 106,000 per month as a result of the rate increase,” Hadi

said.

Hadi concurs that the PDAM’s revenue has risen since the rate increase. Previously, revenue

was estimated at Rp 5.6 billion, but after the rate increase, revenue spiked up to Rp 12 billion

Meanwhile, to resolve its Rp 342.7 billion debt burden, the company has been working for 18

months to draw up a performance improvement plan.

In 2009, the Technical Committee approved the performance improvement plan and indicated

it would agree to an interest write-off amounting to Rp 252.7 billion, or US$ 26 million, for

Bandung PDAM. This is the largest ESP-assisted interest write-off .

“Large debts and small revenue have left us unable to grow. But now that our debt problem is

solved, we can start to invest, beginning with a plan for additional distribution pipes in Dago

Bengkok region, a project budgeted at 23 billion Rupiah. These pipes will help us serve another

10,000 new customers per year,” Hadi said.

As of 2009, ESP has assisted 12 municipal water companies across Indonesia in preparing their

performance improvement plans needed for debt restructuring. These water companies have

a total debt of Rp 528.3 billion, with Rp 377.7 billion potentially qualifying for interest write-

off s.

Bandung City Government has provided the water company with Rp 44 billion of capital

participation, helping it repay debts even faster. As a result, Bandung PDAM will pay off its

debts in only 5 years.

Improved fi nancial condition leads to improved services and technical aspects of PDAM

Now that the debt problem is solved, they can start to

invest, beginning with a plan for additional

distribution pipes

In 2007, local educators in Batu city, East Java passionately advocated

for an environmental awareness curriculum. Empowered by local sup-

port and equipped with ESP curriculum development materials, the

curriculum is currently being rolled out to serve a new generations of

environmental advocates.

“Protected forests are increasingly converted into farmland, while ponds for fi sh cultivation

are shrinking in size, not to mention the amount of garbage that keeps piling higher. Batu

City is experiencing ecological degradation. To prevent more damage, we need to skip a

generation and go straight to educating the younger generation,” said Sukistono, a biology

teacher at Batu City Public Junior High School 3, commenting on the increasing loss of forest

in the area.

Sukistono added that after observing Batu City’s environmental condition, he believes that

human behavior is the main cause behind environmental degradation. In 2003, upon hear-

ing complaints from his neighbors, he began measuring water level in wells around Batu. As

predicted, well water levels were down in several areas, a sign that ground water levels were

shrinking.

“I saw the problem myself when my neighbor was digging for a well,” said Sukistono who

lived in Beji Sekolahan ward at the time.

An Environmental Education Curriculum BORN OUT OF CONCERN

We must prepare the next generation to become more envi-ronmentally aware

ated

sup-

, the

We must prepare the next generation tobecome more envi-ronmentally aware“

“It is only with the next generation that we

can pin the hope for a better

environment

Bricket making as part of the environmental curriculum developed by Sukistono

During the rainy season, he took a hike to Payung - a

highland area on the border between Batu City and

Pujon - and counted at least 32 to 40 sites along the

way where landslides had occurred. Sukistono, who au-

thored 36 text books on biology, also made the Brantas

River one of his research subjects.

“Based on the data from city government, severe en-

vironmental damage has occurred between 1993 to

2002,” he said. In 1993, there were approximately 115

springs at the river’s upper watershed. Ten years later,

only 82 springs were still fl owing. Many springs have

reduced water debit and some, like Banyuning, Trong-

belok, Gemulo, Kasinan, Coban Rais, and Gunung Biru

springs, have completely dried up.

Sukistono feels that the creation of a new environmentally aware generation is a crucial step

toward reducing ecological degradation.

In December 2007, he began developing an environmental curriculum on his own. Various

lessons listed in the syllabus are designed to help teachers promote a clean, green, and healthy

lifestyle for the students in a fun and exciting way. The topics are also diverse, ranging from

how to Clean up and Care for Oneself, Hand Washing with Soap (CTPS or HWWS), Environmen-

tal Awareness (Sadar Lingkungan/ Darling), to topics about garbage and solid waste manage-

ment.

Several teachers are now helping Sukistono to perfect the environmental curriculum. The Min-

istry of Education’s Ministerial Regulation No. 22/2005 on curriculum standardization is being

used as an important reference for improving the curriculum. It has help facilitate the creation

of a set of standardized syllabi and teaching materials.

In 2008, Sukistono presented his curriculum to Eddy Rumpoko, Batu City Mayor. Eddy gave his

support for the environmental curriculum. As a result, the curriculum, now consisting of 18

syllabi, is being taught in more schools.

Sukistono admits that getting students to understand and then willingly carry out the things

they’ve learned in the environmental curriculum is a challenge in itself. But still, he insists,

“We must prepare the next generation to become more environmentally aware. The current

generation will eventually fade away and it is only on the next generation that we can pin the

hope for a better environment.”

It will come true only if there’s a change in thinking, action, and behavior to view environmen-

tal conservation as a necessity. One of the ways to push such change is by instilling it early on

during school through the environmental awareness curriculum.

field of change - people’s stories on sustainable livelihood development

Documents

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