Public perception and contribution of domestic waste to water pollution of Lake Matano, South Sulawesi-Indonesia

Abstract

Lake Matano, one of the deepest lakes on the earth, is an important lake in Indonesia in related to to its economic, social and ecological implications. The lake has a variety of functions, including water resource for hydro-power generating, the habitat of various aquatic organisms, and water sources for domestic purposes, as an area of fishing and fish culture in floating net cages, and tourist destinations. Therefore, Lake Matano receives an amount of pollution load from these activities. This study aims to determine the public perceptions and contribution of domestic waste to water pollution of Lake Matano. This research was conducted based on a survey, in which data collection techniques were complete by direct interviews with residents using questionnaires and direct observation of the condition of the surrounding community. The results showed that public perceptions of the water pollution of Lake Matano were due to tourism and increasing settlement in the area bordering the lake (floating house). The criteria for the action of water pollution in Lake Matano through domestic waste were still in good category.