The Sustainability of Ready to Drink Water: Local Government Preparedness in Malang, Indonesia

Access to clean water and ready-to-drink water is one of the important issues raised in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which focuses on access to ready-to-drink water for universal communities with guaranteed safety and cleanliness of potable water sources by 2030. However, there are still several obstacles to settle drinking water, as the weak institutional control and limited local government participation and involvement led to the ineffective way to produce ready-to-drink water, referring to Minister of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2023 about water quality to be well-prepared. This study examines these issues in the context of Malang, Indonesia, where the local government's preparedness in managing ready-to-drink water is crucial. This study presents data using the Soft System Methodology which includes observations that have been made with the Drinking Water User Association, Department of Public Planning and Spatial Planning, Water Company and the user of HIPPAM and PDAM. This research produces an integrated model of ready-to-drink water management that involves regional officials, distribution actors and the community. The model addresses the challenges by promoting collaboration and enhancing the efficiency of water management practices. The findings contribute to the understanding of sustainable water management and provide a framework for improving access to clean water, aligning with the SDGs' objectives. The study also highlights the importance of regulatory compliance, in this case, Minister of Health Regulation No. 2 of 2023, in ensuring water quality. The research implications extend to policy-making, suggesting that a more coordinated approach and stronger governance are needed to overcome the barriers to achieving sustainable water access. Practical implications include the adoption of the integrated model by local governments and water management entities to enhance service delivery and ensure public health.