In the last week of June 2024, The Water Agency, the Public Works of the Water Resource Agency of East Java Province (PUSDA EJP), and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam held a series of offline workshops aimed at bringing together collaborative solutions for river basin management in the East Java province of Indonesia. This series also served to conclude weeks of online training provided to civil servants from various environmental agencies during May and June 2024.
The three-day workshop began with participants collaborating to identify solutions and innovations that could foster cooperation among various government departments. This was followed by site visits to multiple locations, including the upstream area at Sanggar Indonesia Hijau and the downstream area at the bridge between two regencies. On the second day, participants reflected on the knowledge gained from both the online training and site visits. They engaged in collaborative problem-solving sessions with experts to develop actionable plans. The last day featured participants presenting their work plans, which were shaped by both their training and field observations. The “Top 8” participants were then selected based on their online learning results, leadership assessments, active engagement, and the quality of their work plans.
This series of workshops not only emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in water resource management but also provided practical insights through site visits, showcasing real-world applications of conservation and flood management strategies.
Next Steps
Following the training, selected participants are also planned to have the opportunity for knowledge exchange to study program implementations in other countries. This initiative aligns to ensure that each presented work plan can serve as a main program for improvement and sustainable development in the Welang River area.
With the conclusion of this comprehensive program and training, we are optimistic about the future of climate-resilient water management in Welang River cities and communities. The focus on inter-institutional collaboration and practical application of knowledge ensures that civil servants are prepared to tackle future water challenges. We are excited to build on this foundation and drive meaningful change in the river basin management of East Java Province.
