The status of limnology in Indonesia

Abstract

A brief inventory of the inland-water resources of Indonesia (lakes, reservoirs, rivers and swamps) is presented, and the water-supply situation is reviewed. The development of limnology in Indonesia may be divided into three periods: prior to 1950; between 1950–1970; and after 1970. The most significant early contribution during the first period was made by the ‘Sunda Expedition’ in 1928–1929 (led by Franz Ruttner) which involved intensive investigation of the islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali. Little limnology was undertaken subsequently until the second period (1950—1970), when the Inland Fisheries Research Institute began several limnological investigations to support fisheries development. Growing concern over environmental matters since the 1970s distinguished the third period of limnology, when the science began to grow to support fisheries and to provide solutions to various environmental problems. Basic and applied limnological work is carried out by government institutions such as the Inland Fisheries Research Institute, the Department of Public Works, and the Research and Development Centre for Limnology, as well as by universities, and environmental consultants contribute to limnological studies in relation to environmental impacts. In early 1991, the National Committee on Hydrological Programme and the Indonesian Society of Limnology were established to promote the growth of limnology in Indonesia. Among the main obstacles to the further development of limnology in Indonesia are a general lack of relevant education, facilities and research funds, as well as obstacles to communication and difficulty in accessing publications.