Integration of social life in a bioeconomic approach for sustainable water resource policy and management in the Brantas River

Abstract

Background: Sustainable water resource management has become a major challenge in Indonesia due to increasing pressure from domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities on river environmental quality. The Brantas River, as one of the major rivers in East Java, has experienced declining water quality characterized by high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) values, increased nutrient content, and biological contamination. These conditions are influenced not only by ecological factors but are also closely related to social behavior, community norms, and patterns of water resource utilization. This study aims to analyze the relationship between community social life and the ecological condition of the Brantas River through a bioeconomic approach and to identify the role of community participation in supporting sustainable water resource management. Methods: The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach based on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using data obtained from scientific articles, government reports, and policy documents related to the Brantas River. The analysis was conducted thematically by integrating social and biophysical variables within the framework of bioeconomics and Social Ecological Systems (SES). Findings: The results indicate that the degradation of Brantas River water quality is influenced by the interaction between community economic activities, social behavior, and the ecological capacity of the river. Low environmental awareness, domestic waste disposal practices, and weak environmental management are the main factors contributing to increased pollution, while community participation and community-based monitoring positively contribute to river conservation efforts. Conclusion: This study concludes that the sustainability of Brantas River management depends not only on technical approaches but also on strengthening social governance, community participation, and the integration of bioeconomics into water resource management. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in its integrative approach that connects water quality indicators, economic activities, and social variables within a single socio-bioeconomic analytical framework to support more sustainable river management.