SANTONG – Water resource sustainability in the Santong Production Landscape has entered a new chapter. In response to climate change and increasing hydrometeorological disaster risks, local customary law, known as awik-awik, is being strengthened to safeguard water resources and enhance community resilience.

This strategic effort was advanced through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Strengthening Awik-Awik for Spring Protection, held on 11 June 2026. The forum brought together 45 participants representing provincial, district, sub-district, and village governments, alongside key water management stakeholders, including Village Water Utilities (PAMDes), Water User Groups (Pokmair), Water User Farmer Associations (P3A), Community Forest Groups (KTH), and local community leaders.

Strengthening Traditional Institutions for Climate Resilience

Participants agreed that awik-awik is far more than a cultural heritage. It remains an essential local governance mechanism for managing and protecting water resources sustainably. The springs in Santong are the primary source of clean water for households, agriculture, livestock, and local economic activities. Protecting these water catchment areas is therefore considered essential for strengthening community adaptation to climate change.

The discussion also acknowledged that customary regulations alone are not sufficient without collective commitment. Participants identified several key challenges and agreed that stronger collaboration between village governments, community management groups, and local residents is necessary to ensure effective implementation.

Key recommendations emerging from the discussion included:

• Raising public awareness of spring protection.
• Strengthening monitoring of activities that threaten water catchment areas.
• Establishing clearer mechanisms for enforcing customary regulations.
• Improving coordination among all relevant stakeholders.

Recommendations and Future Actions

The FGD produced several practical recommendations that will guide the revision of the awik-awik document. These include updating the customary regulations to reflect current conditions, establishing a Spring Protection Forum as a multi-stakeholder coordination platform, clarifying institutional roles and responsibilities, developing a monitoring and evaluation system, and strengthening community education initiatives.

The completion of the FGD marks the beginning of the next important phase, namely the formal establishment of the Spring Protection Forum and the finalization of the revised awik-awik document. Through continued collaboration among government institutions, community organizations, and local residents, Santong aims to ensure that its springs remain protected and continue providing water for future generations.