Utilization of Remote Sensing in Supporting Rural Community-based Micro-Watershed Management

It is commonly accepted that the socio-economic of rural areas must be considered in watershed management. Following the Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 6/2014, rural area development should be encouraged to accelerate the growth of hinterland areas. This paper explores the potential utilization of remote sensing and GIS in supporting community-based micro watershed management. We conducted a qualitative descriptive approach with a literature study and compared the actual condition in Indonesia in the context of supporting regulation and the actual condition of rural community condition. We elaborated on preserving the watershed environment, fulfilling the community’s daily needs, the collaborative governance model, and the application of remote sensing and GIS technology. In practice, conflicts of interest in the exploitation of natural resources in watersheds and the need for watershed conservation could be minimized by providing adequate understanding to rural communities. To make it easier for them to fulfil their daily needs, stakeholders could support technical assistance. Remote sensing, GIS-based maps, and other digital GIS could help rural communities fulfil their needs while preserving the environment. Several examples of the application of collaborative governance are evidence that the utilization of remote sensing and GIS in supporting community-based micro watershed management should be applicable in Indonesia.