Jundiani, Moh Fadli, Indah Dwi Qurbani, Rika Kurniaty, Erfaniah Zuhriah
The paradigm of water justice in water resource law has become a crucial issue in realizing equitable and sustainable access for society. This study highlights the problems of unequal water distribution caused by privatization and the implementation of policies that do not fully support vulnerable communities. The study focused on the legal regulation of water resources in Indonesia, particularly Law No. 17 of 2019, as well as the contribution of families in supporting the principle of water justice within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study sought to answer the following inquiries: how existing regulations govern the distribution and accessibility of water resources, the extent to which these regulations are effectively implemented in the Greater Malang area, and the role that families play in promoting sustainable water management. The study employed an empirical juridical approach, integrating socio-legal perspectives and empirical legal methods. Data were collected by means of legal document analysis, interviews with key stakeholders, and direct observation of water usage and management practices within local communities. The findings of the study reveal that although national regulations recognize water as a public right, their implementation still faces significant challenges, including imbalanced access between urban and rural areas, industrial dominance in water resource utilization, and weak community participation in policy-making processes. Further, families also play a strategic role in educating household members about water conservation and advocating for more inclusive local policies. This study thus recommends strengthening the role of families in water management policies through community-based education and environmental awareness programs, as well as reinforcing regulations to ensure more equitable water distribution. It is expected that the implementation of the water justice principle in water resource law can be more effective in supporting the achievement of SDG 6. © 2025, State Islamic University of Ar-Raniry Faculty of Sharia and Law. All rights reserved.
Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia; Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, Indonesia
