Public perceptions regarding the implementation of the groundwater-free zone policy in Jakarta Province

Abstract

Jakarta Province has been facing land subsidence problems for the last few decades. Excessive groundwater extraction is a primary cause of this problem. The latest policy set by the Jakarta Provincial Government is stipulated through Governor Regulation No. 93 of 2021 concerning Groundwater-Free Zones by establishing 12 road areas and 9 zone areas, which aims to reduce land subsidence caused by excessive groundwater extraction. Research regarding the implementation of the groundwater-free zone policy in Jakarta Province is still limited. Public perception regarding a policy is also an important aspect of research as feedback from the community to policymakers. This research aims to assess the implementation of the Groundwater-Free Zone policy in Jakarta Province based on public perception. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 100 residents, consisting of 50 respondents from Tanah Abang and Gambir Sub-districts as representatives of groundwater-free zone areas and 50 respondents from Tanjung Priok and Pademangan Sub-districts as representatives of groundwater-free road areas. An evaluation approach was used in this research, using a scoring analysis method. Based on the effectiveness and responsiveness variables, considered successful by the community. However, community involvement in the policy's initiation, implementation, and monitoring stages was perceived as unsuccessful. This study highlights the importance of increasing community involvement in future policy initiatives. The public considered that the Groundwater-Free Zone policy has been less successful. The Jakarta Provincial Government can further optimize the implementation of the Groundwater-Free Zone policy and achieve its long-term objectives of sustainable water management and land subsidence mitigation.