Power, Conflict and Democracy Journal
Vol 12 No 2 (2024): PCD Journal Vol. 12 No. 2 2024

Contested Waters

Widiyanto, Andika (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study examines the mechanisms of community access to water from the Cipasauran River, Serang Regency, Banten, which has been disrupted by damming activities carried out by PT Krakatau Tirta Industri (PT KTI). Employing a qualitative approach with a case study design, this research maps the distribution of water resource benefits, identifies the mechanisms used by various actors to obtain, control, and sustain access, and analyses the power dynamics that shape these mechanisms. Findings reveal that companies predominantly benefit from the river’s water resources through multiple access mechanisms, thereby restricting local communities’ access. Additionally, ecological changes caused by the dam have further exacerbated these restrictions. The study concludes that the allocation of Cipasauran River’s water resources is largely skewed in favour of the company’s interests, facilitated by legal and relational-structural mechanisms. Furthermore, asymmetric power relations among actors have reinforced disparities in water access.

Copyrights © 2024






Journal Info

Abbrev

PCD

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

PCD Journal is an initiative to promote works and reports written in high-quality academic standard on the dynamics of power, conflict, and democracy in developing countries, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. Themes on practices of human rights, popular representation, and ...