Field of Change

Peoples Stories on
Sustainable Livelihood Development
www.esp.or.id
Environmental Services Program (ESP) 2009
Field of Change
Peoples Stories on
Sustainable Livelihood Development
This publication intends to take the reader across Indonesia, from Aceh to Eastern Indonesia, to
share over ve years of experience from the Environmental Services Program (ESP). Each story
is written by an ESP partner, stakeholder, or sta member and relays their personal experience
working directly with ESP program activities. These voices from the eld introduce you to
their rural and urban communities, as well as their o ces, treatment facilities, government
agencies, and municipal water companies.
The following eld stories have been carefully selected and pieced together to reect ESPs
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 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 eld, these stories capture
the essence of ESP programming from every regional eld location. Read as a whole, all four
chapters are testament to how dynamic and innovative stakeholders have worked together
to secure safe and aordable water and sanitation while protecting and conserving the
environment.
Executive Summary
From 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
Peoples Stories on
Sustainable Livelihood Development
PAGE V
Introduction
ESP 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 Indonesias population lacks access to safe and aordable 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 specically 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 eective 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 eectively 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 dierences 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. ESPs Clean Green and Hygiene approach
evolved to focus most signicantly 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 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 signicant 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 eld stories contained in this publication:
local eld assistants, ESP regional sta, local beneciaries, the private sector, community-based
organizations, partner NGOs, and local, regional, and national government. Their cooperation
and determination has been the driving force behind ESPs 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 Partners
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 Nurserys 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 Eorts 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 Doesnt Guarantee Use: Sustainable Sanitation Facilities 55
Mad About Garbage: Leadership In Recycling 57
Hygiene Champions: Leading Sanitation Eorts 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 ESPs 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 ESPs 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 nal entry illustrates the complex nature of facilitating a
collaborative and eective National Strategy.
PAGE 1
Across Indonesia, 30.3 million hectares of land is classifed as degraded,
while 6.9 million hectares of this total is classifed as critically degraded.
The impact of land degradation, especially in upstream watershed
areas, negatively efects 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 eorts must be tailored to support both local socio-economic and physical
environmental conditions.
Environmental expert and presidential adviser Emil Salim explained, We shouldnt 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 eorts.
Four Integrated
Approaches
FOR A THRIVING WATERSHED
We shouldnt rely on
a single government
ministry for watershed
management. Instead,
all relevant ministries
must work together
aded,
aded.
shed
We shouldnt rely on
a single government
ministry for watershed
management. 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 benet 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 eorts 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 eorts. 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 communitys 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 benetted
from MDM activities. Two farmers 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 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 specic 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 eld
conditions
PAGE 3
Belawan is a food-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, ine 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 aordable rate.
The key to the Master Meters 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 ESPs 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 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 o cials, who have committed to
continuing the program for the next 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 Etis 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.

ESPs 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
PAGE 5
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 classied as have good performance, while another
60% are currently being restructured. The remaining 30% are classied as performing badly.
This performance must be signicantly 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 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 beneciary 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 Taps
WITH MICRO-CREDIT
I used to rely on
well water. With the
Micro-Credit loan,
I can 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 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 companys account. The water company
proceeds by connecting pipes to the customers home.
Currently, ESPs 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. ESPs main role in this program is to bridge
the communication gap between water companies
and banks, explaining the benets 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
nancial performance.
Jayadi, President Director of Delta Tirta Sidoarjo, a
municipal water supply company in East Java explained
the benets of taking part in the program. Thanks to
Micro-Credit, our cash ow has improved. We receive
cash payment from customers who have taken Micro-
Credit loans at BRIs 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 benetting 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 nally enjoy cleaner and healthier water from the water company, she
explained.
Meiske Manumpil, who lives at a shermens settlement in Bahu, Manado, is glad that she can
nally get clean water from PT Air Manado through BRIs 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 oered a glimmer of hope for the improvement of water services in Indonesia.
It provides alternative solutions for two di cult problems facing most PDAMs: their inability to
nance new installation networks and their inability to supply aordable 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
PAGE 7
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 identication of gateway behaviors for
hygiene promotion and existing community practices that the program could use to ground
healthy hygiene practices.
ESPs 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 oers 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 children
like to learn and be
reminded by their
friends

PAGE 8

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 u, avian inuenza, 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 Aairs of SD Pertiwi.
In addition to aiding in the dissemination of CGH messages, from school, to parent, to the
community, the CGH School leverages signicant 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 O 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 ESPs 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 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 Hygienes 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 signicant awareness, funding, and support to create lasting
impact.
PAGE 9
Monitoring and evaluation are two crucial program components.
They help track a programs development and success and
provide a feedback mechanism to ensure program approaches,
models, and activities appropriately respond to community needs.
ESPs Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities are divided into two classications: qualitative
and quantitative. Quantitative M&E is carried out periodically, and contributes directly to ESPs
routine reporting deliverables, including Quarterly and Annual reports.
Qualitative M&E consists of narrative-focused eld stories and testimonies from communities
who have beneted 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 theyve 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 eye
opener, 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 reect 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 benets 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 villages 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 o 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 ESPs 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 condence 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 weve 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 eective program activities.
Monitoring and evaluation are two crucial program
components, they help track a programs development and
success and provide feedback
Seeing things change
with our own eyes
makes us believe
that weve done
something positive
PAGE 11
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 womens roles are relatively balanced. The dierence 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 familys
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 benet not
only ESP sta, but
also ESP partners
that
cably
ged.
Gender awareness
activities benet not
only ESP sta, 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 familys
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 nding income.
Awareness of gender pressure helps bring attention
to these unfortunate circumstances and encourages
both men and women to work together to nd gender
appropriate solutions.
Gender awareness activities are intended to serve not
only the beneciaries 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 ones
professionalism, knowledge, and skills; not ones 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, Womens
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 everyones 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 nd solutions, ESP must 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
PAGE 13
ESP works to involve university students and academic institutions
in internship programs covering a variety of disciplines. In addition
to honing students skills and giving them the experience and
confdence 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 Agistiyantis 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 o ce.
Eykis 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 diversied her interests by taking part in a variety of
communications related work. For example, she has directly supported Siska Doviana, ESPs
Public Outreach Specialist, by conducting media relation activities, such as contacting
journalists in preparation of an event. Eyki has also directly engaged in 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 quite
a 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 condently 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 eort to provide opportunities for students
seeking professional work experience. In addition to
introducing them to a professional o ce atmosphere
and preparing them to enter the work force with skills
and condence, 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 sta, the interns conducted 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
signicant 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 Shoani, Jakarta WATSAN Coordinator, admitted that involving interns in operational
activities was initially time consuming. The sta 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 condent enough to ll in when
my team was busy with other tasks, said Endah.
The ESP internship program proved benecial, 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 sta. For example, Siska Doviana, the ESP Program Outreach
Coordinator admitted, I learned a lot from this experience because it was my rst opportunity
directly supervising others.
In addition to honing students skills and giving them the
experience and confdence 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
PAGE 15
The development of a clear, integrated sanitation strategy is crucial
for Indonesia. According to 2007 World Bank fgures, 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 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,
STBMs 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 signicance of communities and their responsibility in
planning, constructing, managing, and co-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 ve STBM pillars have been implemented by several agencies, NGOs,
and organizations with various strategies, approaches, and priorities. These 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 recognized
the importance
of increasing
community group
capacities to promote
STBM 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 MOHs 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 reected
during Global Hand Washing with Soap Day. On October 15, 2009, the Mayor of Jayapura
launched STBM as Jayapuras 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 eective behavior change is only eective 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 communitys Action
Plan into their City Sanitation Strategy. The immediate execution of the Action Plan will be
apparent in Jayapura city governments 2010 budget year.
ESP is also oering 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 eective 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 fgures, 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 reect on their eorts
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.
PAGE 19
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.
Im not sure whether these reforestated trees will be well cared for or provide much benet,
announced a skeptical Imam Oetomo, the previous governor of East Java, at a ceremony ve
years ago, celebrating the National Movement for Forest and Land Rehabilitation.
Imams skepticism is justied, 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, ESPs 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
farmers groups have
begun to work with
private institutions
concerned with
forest
conservation
ness,
other
tally-
Representatives of
farmers groups have
begun to work with
private institutions
concerned with
forest
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. Thats 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 Javas 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 eorts 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 its impossible to rely only on the government, explained MH
Dardiri, head of Tahura Farmers Group (Paguyuban Kelompok Tani Tahura - PKTT).The rural
communitys 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 eorts, 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, its 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 Aquas 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
fulll 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
PAGE 21
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 prot from their
crops, and be free from expensive chemicals.
Field School Graduates:
NEVER STOP LEARNING
FROM 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 crazy
because 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 eld, doing a number of mini experiments to solve
her farming problems. In fact, her children, who used to
hate going into the eld, now follow her there everyday.
To Dewi, organic agriculture is more than a money
saver. She 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 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 arent just eective, theyre 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 fulll 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 dont 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 ESPs Field School program to more than 10 other villages in Tanah Karo. I taught
them for free, Posman said.
Natural fertilizers and pesticides arent 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
PAGE 23
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 volcanos peak, making it a part
of Merapis 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 Merapis 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 nally enacted.
Curbing Deforestation
WITH VILLAGE ORDINANCE

Ngargomulyos vil-
lage ordinance has
also inspired other
villages in the Merapi
slopes to enact simi-
lar ordinances

PAGE 24
People are becom-
ing more condent
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 nd a common ground. A breakthrough hap-
pened after some of the villagers joined ESPs 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 nancial potentials. The
participatory nature of the Field Schools 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 di cult, but eventually, they agreed to join our cause to
improve our village, Ngargomulyo Villages youth leader Sutarji said.
The nished draft was submitted to the village government and to Magelang Districts Envi-
ronmental O ce, Mining and Energy O ce, and Government Administration O ce. After a
deliberation process lasting 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
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 condent about what they should do when they see environ-
mental problems. Whenever they see deforested land, they are compelled to begin reforesta-
tion eorts, either in groups or individually, he said.
Ngargomulyos village ordinance has also inspired other villages in the Merapi slopes to enact
similar ordinances. Im hopeful that through this village ordinance, the forest ecosystem will
be restored.
PAGE 25
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 of cials from relevant
of 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 communitys
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 specic 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 and
relieved 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
eort 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 Rivers 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 inltration wells to absorb water
run o. 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 communitys goodwill might be misused by irresponsible parties.
Through ESPs 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 of cials from relevant
of ces, has helped improve environmental quality
Through ESPs
programs
and activities,
working with
the communities
actually feels fun
PAGE 27
The Jruek Balee nursery in Aceh is consistently expanding, creating
new jobs, and positively impacting the communitys economy. District
heads, local and international NGOs, students, lecturers, and even Free
Aceh Movements 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)
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 oer their land for the nursery, until a villager named Husin stepped
forward. He allowed part of his land to be used, free of charge. Husins land is located quite
far from the villagers homes. Due to the armed conict 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 Nurserys Success:
SEEDLING DEVELOPMENT IN ACEH
With knowledge of
plant propagation,
Husin and his
partner Asnawi
developed high-
quality seedlings
ating
strict
Free
With knowledge of
plant propagation,
Husin and his
partner Asnawi
developed high-
quality seedlings

PAGE 28
The program was met with an enthusiastic response.
One villager even brought a sack 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 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
PAGE 29
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 communitys 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 specied 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 farmers group revealed that, on
average, each family requires half a bundle of rewood for their daily needs. According to this
average, each family consumes approximately 180 bundles of 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 didnt
have the money to
make it a reality
wives.
milies
This
h
This biogas idea is
great, but we didnt
have 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 didnt 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-eective
energy and environmentally friendly benets for the entire community.
Construction of the 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 farmers group in Argosari.
When every dairy farmer has a biogas installation, Im 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 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 rewood in the forest
3 kilometers away. Now, the waste from his livestock replaces his need for 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 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 rewood. They have an environmentally-friendly energy source
at their 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, Im sure
this village will be
energy independent
PAGE 31
The drafting of Papuas Provincial Spatial Plan uses an innovative
swakelola or self-reliant approach. This approach diverges signifcantly
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, 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 Papuas 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 Papuas Spatial Plan was introduced by ESP and the Foreign and Common-
wealth O 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 is
necessary for putting
people into
the Plan

PAGE 32
ESPs 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 e 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.
ESPs approach is notably dierent from the past. Previous Spatial Plan drafts submitted by third
parties were rife with problems. In the interest of being quick and cost eective, these Spatial
Plans lacked accurate data and provided limited consultation with important stakeholders.
Oftentimes data produced by consultants was inconsistent with observed eld conditions,
creating discrepancies in resulting land utilization.
A bottom-up approach for drafting the Spatial Plan would enable specic approaches that
conform to the communitys 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 conict. Abner Mansai said.
The end product of this swakelolah spatial planning process is a Provincial Regulation outlining
Papuas 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 signicantly from o cial statistics.
ESPs emphasis on a swakelolah approach helps bridge dierences that arise between various
institutions involved in the drafting process. As a result, it resolves conicts that were once
considered unsurpassable. Most importantly, it promotes mutual ownership and responsibility
for the future development of Papua.
One map included in Papuas Spatial Plan using
an innovative swakelola or self-reliant approach
A bottom-up
approach for Spatial
Planning enables
specic approaches
that conform to the
communitys
interests
PAGE 33
Nofaldi, ESPs Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, believes
that it is impossible to prepare Papuas 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 Papuas Spatial Plan.

Papuas Spatial Plan is the direct responsibility of the Regional Development Planning Board
(Bappeda). ESP oers 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 Bappedas sta to prepare Papuas 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 Papuas 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 nd out
whether the site Ive selected is part of a national park
and thus, o limits.
With help from the database and maps in Lab Simtaru, I wouldnt just nd out why I cant locate
my plantation in a national park. I would also discover suitable locations for my plantation that
are specically 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 specic needs. The Public
Works O ce has a development map, while the Forestry O ce has a conservation map. We can
only imagine how many dierent maps are being generated for the same area. Centrally storing
the maps at Lab Simtaru helps open up information about the general direction of Jayapuras
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, Papuas 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 sta to serve public requests for data.
This way, Lab Simtaru can fulll 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
PAGE 35
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, oer 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
PAGE 37
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 dif 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 ESPs 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 ESPs 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 eorts 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, Ill 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 sta who
visited Pantee Kuyun Village were impressed by Masris 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, Ill have
extra income
ndone-
ants for
without
I have nothing to
lose if I fail, but if I
succeed, Ill have
extra income

PAGE 38

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. Ive 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 o ces, or academic institutions in Aceh to
provide trainings about cocoa farming. The cocoa seedlings are now thriving in Masris 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 ower. I was amazed to see so many 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 ESPs support for
the Aceh Green program initiated by Aceh Governor
Irwandi Yusuf.
PAGE 39
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 peoples homes, said
Mutain, 27, when asked about the purpose of building the pen and gazebo.
Mutain 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 lot
of cattle that sell at a
high price

PAGE 40

Raising cattle was Mutains side job. While tending

to his dry eld, he searched for grass in the Mount
Telomoyo forest. After attending the ESP Field School
in early 2008, Mutain 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.
Muntain 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 cattles eect 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 theyre far away,
feeding them would take extra eort. 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 benets 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 ies dont show up like they used to, he said.
The house also looks
cleaner and ies dont
show up like they
used to
Mutafin feeds cattle in one of the communal cattle pens as
a result of the Field Schools community Action Plan
PAGE 41
Water resources are often exploited beyond the ability for preservation.
Keeping water fowing requires cooperation from all parties, especially
the direct benefciaries. This is exactly what Bambang Parianom, the
Head of Environmental Of 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) suered
even worse, with more than 6,000 hectares being lost or converted for other uses. These losses
aect the amount of water 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 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 eorts
must be conducted
immediately
tion.
cially
, the
Bumiaji is a part
of Brantas River. If
the environment is
damaged, repair eorts
must be conducted
immediately

PAGE 42

Bumiaji lies on the upper part of Brantas River. If the

environment around these parts is damaged, repair
eorts 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 eorts 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 Intensication Movement (Gerakan
Intensikasi Rehabilitasi Alam Bumiaji - GIRAB).
The movement aims to develop and utilize Bumiajis 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 Bumiajis 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 eective 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
With knowledge of
plant propagation,
Husin and his
partner Asnawi
developed high-
quality seedlings
PAGE 43
When it comes to conservation and environmental protection,
Magelang District Government has shown us the importance of an
integrated efort. The Village Action Plan is a result of informal, yet
robust, discussion forums which have garnered signifcant local &
national level attention.
Spearheading Magelangs 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 Districts water
utility (PDAM).
Conservation funding is quite strong. In 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, O ce of the
Ministry of Mining and Energy, NGOs (Gaspari, Mentari, and Parikopi), and ESP.
However, the availability of funds doesnt automatically translate to eective 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 the
community needs
something, they
plan for it through
the Village Action
Plan

PAGE 44

This way, we can

work side by side to
improve Magelang
Districts 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. Di 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
diering 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 uid. Oftentimes, a call for a meeting can be conveyed simply by short text message to
each team members 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 reects 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 Districts challenging environmental
condition.

PAGE 45
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, confdence, 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 identied 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 PRODUCES
HIGH 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

PAGE 46

At the end of their training in early 2008, Field School

participants agreed to form Saluyu farmers 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 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
farmers 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
farmers 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 catsh, 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,
confdence, dialogue, joint decision-making and self-
determination
Sustainable tree
planting can prevent
landslides and help
preserve water
sources
PAGE 47
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 ferce debate.

Lets set aside discussions about the loan. Whats 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 farmers 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, peoples 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 JAEs 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 didnt
care if we were
branded crazy again
from
Sub-
bdue
We were called crazy
when we started
the Field School and
SLA. So we didnt
care if we were
branded crazy again

PAGE 48

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 theres no budget to buy food and
weve 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 farmers 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
organizations needs. In addition, a weak administration system is the result of low awareness
regarding organizational structure, leaving the roles and functions of positions unclearly dened.
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 theyre not ready, then all our eorts 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 nd other
marketing outlets. Take celery for instance. Collectors only paid farmers Rp. 500 per bundle, but
in Medans Central Market, a bundle of celery is worth Rp. 4,000. Farmers cant do anything about
it because the collectors call the shots, said Tauk, the head of Ersinalsal, a community group
established following Field School and SLA in Sibayak Valley, Tanah Karo.
To counter the collectors inuence, 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 didnt 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, Tauk 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 eld sta 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
PAGE 49
Reef represents the hard work and impressive leadership of stakeholders in downstream
urban and peri-urban sites. These downstream water users work to promote eective 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-specic 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 aordable water and sanitation facilities and have begun rolling-out a Clean, Green
and Hygiene curriculum for greater Indonesia by leveraging government support.
Reef
PAGE 51
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 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 oer
solutions
and
rning
n the
Those women are
usually quiet and shy,
so I was amazed at
how well they could
speak in public, as
well as oer
solutions

PAGE 52

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 sta. 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,
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 identied 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 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 ltration units,
benetting 19 households. Ten more water ltration units are currently being built. During the
Field Day, the Field School alums expertly showed their guests how to use their water lter. Using
a sand-based slow lter, they managed to 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 oer solutions, he said.
We have to help them and the local government should collaborate with us and these women
to fulll 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 nd ways to address
larger health and hygiene issues that plague their neighborhood, and that aect 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 fulll their Action
Plans
PAGE 53
Following years of uncertainty, Jayapuras 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 rst step is to enhance the stas communication skills. From November 12 to November
16, 2009, SPEAK Indonesia and ESP gave communication trainings for 15 Jayapura water
company sta. The goal was to improve their capacity for writing press releases and other
communication. As a result, the sta are more condent 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 companys Head of Public Relations took part in the training and
reected on his experience. Ive learned a lot from this training, he said. Many things that
seemed impossibly di cult now look so easy and attainable, such as drafting press releases
and dealing with journalists.
Sulistiono, a sta member in the water companys Public Relations Division, was a participant in
the training. The training has made me realize that we need to improve the water companys
image, especially because we have increased our activities and sta is more frequently
communicating with customers, he said.
Responding to Customer
Demands
WATER COMPANIES IMPROVE THEIR
IMAGE AND THE QUALITY OF SERVICES
Ive learned a lot from
this training. Many
things that seemed
impossibly di cult
now look so easy and
attainable
ny is
ment-
on to
Ive learned a lot from
this training. Many
things that seemed
impossibly di cult
now look so easy and
attainable

PAGE 54

Aside from increasing capacity, the training also

encouraged the production of several communication
strategy documents, developed by the participants
themselves. The water companys director supported
these documents and integrated them into the water
companys 2010 Work Plan and 5-year Business and
Corporate Plan. Furthermore, to improve management
and the companys 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 customers 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 eorts 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 sta,
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 efort
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.
PAGE 55
Residential areas in Indonesia lack centralized wastewater treatment
facilities, leading people to fnd the quickest solutions to deal with
wastewater and human waste. Donor-driven communal wastewater
treatment facilities are the frst 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 O ce, and to Deli Serdang Regency Bappeda and Cipta Karya O ce.
ESPs 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 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 nished facility.
The next project was a wastewater treatment facility built using DEWATS (Decentralized
Wastewater Treatment System) at a 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 Doesnt
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
environmentally
friendly life greatly
improves program
sustainability

PAGE 56

the wastewater travels through several layers of lters,

making it safe to be 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 benets 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 isnt 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 di cult task.
Some listen, but others remain stubborn. They dont want to change, and thats 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 dierent. 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
di cult task
PAGE 57
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 efective, long-lasting program initiatives.
Kampung Bongkarans 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 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 didnt 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 rst garbage
processing activity they conducted was making compost from wet garbage. This process
Mad About Garbage
LEADERSHIP IN RECYCLING
Iyom has provided
garbage processing
trainings for various
community groups,
private parties, and
even government
institutions
ents
l be
mple
Iyom has provided
garbage processing
trainings for various
community groups,
private parties, and
even government
institutions

PAGE 58

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.
Iyoms activities have brought her to many dierent
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, Iyoms 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
benets. Our neighborhoods are now cleaner and more comfortable to live in, said Iyom.
Iyoms relentless eforts 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
PAGE 59
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 eorts to transform his community?
Back in 1997, Community Unit 08 in North Petojo was a typical example of Jakartas 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. ESPs 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 Tirtas 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 residents
communally gather
to clean
Krukut River

PAGE 60

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 programs 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 rst MCK ++ (Mandi Cuci
Kakus Plus-Plus) building was opened for public use. This is the 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 eorts 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
PAGE 61
Bandung municipal water company (PDAM) shows us how a
strong commitment from local government can go a long way
in helping PDAMs restore fnancial 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-o amounting to Rp 252.7 billion is good news, not just for the
company, but also for Bandungs 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 PDAMs 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 PDAMs rates were set through a Mayoral Decree in 2001. These rates were not
adjusted for ve years, until ESP oered its assistance in 2006, said Hadi Pratama, who heads
the Cost Verication 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

PAGE 62

Low rates were making it di cult for the PDAM to

pay operational expenses. They also left the company
incapable of making signicant 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 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 eective as the rate increase was approved and implemented with
limited objections.
If youre classied 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 PDAMs 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-o amounting to Rp 252.7 billion, or US$ 26 million, for
Bandung PDAM. This is the largest ESP-assisted interest write-o.
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-
os.
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 o its
debts in only 5 years.
Improved fnancial 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
PAGE 63
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 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 Citys 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 to
become more envi-
ronmentally aware

PAGE 64

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 rivers upper watershed. Ten years later,
only 82 springs were still 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 Educations 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
theyve 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 theres 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.