PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Garut Regency Government (Pemdakab) appreciates the real role of the Watershed Management Communication Forum (FKP DAS) in environmental management.

This was conveyed at the West Java Watershed Management Institutional Development Coordination Meeting held by the West Java Province Region V Forestry Service in the Cimanuk Meeting Room, Jalan Ahmad Yani, Garut City District, Tuesday (11/26/2024).

Head of the Garut Regency Environmental Service Jujun Juansyah emphasized the importance of good cooperation and communication between parties, in an effort to resolve environmental problems. He considered FKP to be very helpful in the water resource conservation program in Garut Regency.

"With cooperation, with good communication and coordination, I think environmental problems in Garut Regency or throughout West Java can certainly be resolved well," said Jujun.

He also emphasized the real contribution of FKP DAS which was directly felt by the community, especially in encouraging post-disaster environmental rehabilitation and conservation.

"Garut Regency has experienced flash floods in 2016 and 2022. FKP DAS plays a very active role in overcoming the impact of environmental damage due to these disasters," he explained.

Meanwhile, the Representative of the West Java Region V Forestry Service, Dedi Sudadi, highlighted the major challenges in watershed management in West Java.

Based on West Java Provincial Regulation Number 20 of 2014, as many as 59 DAS with an area of 2.9 million hectares or around 79.43 percent of the West Java area are in critical condition requiring recovery.

"The watershed that must be restored, its carrying capacity is a watershed that has land conditions, as well as quality, quantity, and continuity of water, socio-economic, investment in water buildings, and utilization of regional space," he said.

Dedi explained that his party could not turn a blind eye to the various challenges faced in watershed management in West Java Province. Several disasters that often occur, ranging from environmental degradation, water pollution, sedimentation, flooding, and landslides are still problems that require serious and coordinated handling from all parties.

He added, according to Government Regulation Number 37 of 2012 concerning Watershed Management, the main objective of watershed management is to realize awareness, the ability of active participation of related institutions and the community in better watershed management.

"Realizing productive land conditions in accordance with the carrying capacity and environmental capacity of the DAS in a sustainable manner. Realizing quantity, quality, and sustainability in the provision of optimal water according to space and time that realizes increased community welfare," he concluded. (Garut Communication and Information Service/Revo)