Gianyar Regional House of Representatives Proposes Draft Regulation on Riverbank Management
The Gianyar Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has proposed a draft regional regulation (Ranperda) concerning the management of riverbanks. This DPRD-led initiative includes regulations on the utilisation of riverbank areas for specific activities and the construction of buildings.
“The Gianyar DPRD deems it necessary to establish a local legal foundation that can serve as a guide for integrated, sustainable, and equitable riverbank management,” stated Gianyar DPRD member I Nyoman Aldo Sutarya during a plenary session at the council office on Friday (31/07/2026).
Sutarya noted that the draft regulation aims to provide legal certainty in riverbank management as a basis for the regulation, protection, utilisation, and integrated control of these areas. Furthermore, the regulation will outline the local government’s authority in implementing riverbank management. The Gianyar Regency Government may conduct management through stages of planning, utilisation, and control, guided by the Regional Spatial Plan (RTRW) and in coordination with the River Basin Organisation (BWS).
The regulations also cover the preparation of riverbank management plans, selective and sustainable area utilisation, and the classification of activities that are permitted, permitted with conditions, or prohibited. This includes the handling of existing buildings within riverbank areas in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations.
Sutarya added that the draft regulation will strengthen control mechanisms through licensing systems, the provision of incentives and disincentives, and administrative sanctions. Guidance and supervision by the Gianyar Regency Government will also be bolstered through socialisation, education, training, research, information system development, and periodic monitoring.
Active participation from the community and traditional villages (desa adat) in maintaining the preservation of riverbanks through ‘awig-awig’ (customary laws) will be encouraged within the regulation. Additionally, the sustainability of funding sourced from the Regional Budget (APBD) or other legal and non-binding sources will be regulated.
“The Gianyar DPRD hopes that riverbank management can create a balance between regional development interests, environmental preservation, the protection of protected areas, disaster risk reduction, and the strengthening of Balinese cultural values and local wisdom,” he said.
Sutarya explained that the formation of this draft regulation is driven by increasing population growth, the expansion of residential areas, economic activities, and tourism sector development, all of which present challenges to riverbank areas. Issues such as land-use conversion, uncontrolled development, environmental degradation, pollution, and the disruption of river hydrological functions require serious attention and more comprehensive regulatory measures.
“Based on these conditions, the Gianyar DPRD deems it necessary to provide a local legal foundation that can serve as a guide for integrated, sustainable, and equitable riverbank management,” he concluded.