Yogyakarta, September 26, 2025 — Dr. Murtiningrum, a lecturer from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (DTPB FTP UGM), served as a speaker at the Session of the Water Resources Utilization Commission organized by the Coordination Team for Water Resources Management (TKPSDA) of the Progo–Opak–Serang River Basin.
The event was opened by Vicky Ariyanti, Head of the Operations and Maintenance Division of the Serayu Opak River Basin Authority (BBWS Serayu Opak), who represented the TKPSDA Secretariat. The session was attended by various stakeholders, including community water user groups such as Water User Associations (P3A), as well as representatives from government agencies such as the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), agricultural offices, and public works departments at both the district and provincial levels across the Yogyakarta Special Region and Central Java.
During the session, Dr. Murtiningrum delivered a presentation titled “Strategies for Strengthening Irrigation Management Institutions.” In her presentation, she emphasized the importance of institutional capacity building in achieving sustainable irrigation system management. According to her, the success of irrigation systems is not determined solely by the quality of physical infrastructure, but also by the effectiveness of institutional governance, collaboration among stakeholders, and the active participation of the community—especially farmers as the primary users of irrigation water.
“The operation and maintenance of irrigation systems must be carried out sustainably, and the key to success lies in empowering Water User Associations (P3A). By strengthening the role of P3A, community-based irrigation management can become more effective and independent,” explained Dr. Murtiningrum.
In addition to Dr. Murtiningrum, other speakers from various institutions also attended the session, including representatives from the Sleman Farmers Concern Alliance, the Regional House of Representatives of the Yogyakarta Special Region (DPRD DIY), and the Irrigation Commission of DIY, who shared their perspectives on the challenges and policy directions for water resource management in the region.
The topic presented by Dr. Murtiningrum contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:
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SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity;
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SDG 5: Gender Equality, by encouraging active participation of women in irrigation management and farmer organizations; and
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by strengthening systems and institutional frameworks that support agricultural infrastructure.
Through active participation in forums such as TKPSDA, DTPB FTP UGM reaffirms its commitment to advancing science, technology, and institutional development in the field of water resources and agriculture that are adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable.
