Semarang Regency – A research team from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), led by Dr. Gunawan, M.Hum., conducted a study on community access to clean water in Nyatnyono Village, West Ungaran District, Semarang Regency, on 21 June 2026. The research aims to assess the extent to which local residents enjoy equitable access to clean water for their daily needs while also exploring the potential of Sendang Khalimah Toyibah, a sacred spring, as a religious tourism destination that can generate social and economic benefits for the surrounding community.
The study employed a participatory research approach, actively involving local water users as the primary sources of information. The research team examined various aspects related to the availability, management, distribution, and utilization of water resources in Nyatnyono Village. In addition, the study investigated how the cultural and spiritual significance of Sendang Khalimah Toyibah could be integrated into the development of sustainable religious tourism without compromising its primary function as a vital source of clean water for local residents.
According to Dr. Gunawan, M.Hum., the study was initiated to ensure that communities living near water sources receive fair and equal access to clean water. The presence of abundant natural water resources should not create a paradox in which local residents struggle to obtain sufficient water for their daily needs. Therefore, the research also evaluates existing water management and distribution systems to determine whether the principles of equity and social justice have been effectively implemented in the utilization of local water resources.
One of the residents of Nyatnyono Village, Mr. Sohin, explained that the Community-Based Water Supply and Sanitation Program (PAMSIMAS) has significantly improved the community’s access to clean water. According to him, the program has enabled households to meet their water needs at a lower cost compared to alternative water sources.
“Since the implementation of PAMSIMAS, our water needs have been adequately met. The cost is much lower than using other water sources. Even during the dry season, water remains available, although we have to implement a rotational distribution system,” he said.
Preliminary findings indicate that the PAMSIMAS program has substantially improved access to clean water for local residents. Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly during the dry season when reduced water discharge requires a rotational distribution system. These findings provide an important basis for developing recommendations aimed at strengthening sustainable and equitable water resource management in the village.
Beyond examining access to clean water, the research also explores the potential development of Sendang Khalimah Toyibah as a religious tourism destination while preserving its ecological functions and cultural values. This integrated approach is expected to create a balance between environmental conservation, social well-being, cultural preservation, and local economic development, allowing the water resource to generate broader community benefits without compromising the sustainability of the ecosystem.
This research reflects UNNES’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by promoting equitable, safe, and sustainable access to clean water, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by encouraging fair access to water resources and inclusive resource management for all members of the community. Through community-based research that addresses real societal needs, FISIP UNNES continues to strengthen its role in producing evidence-based recommendations that contribute to inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered rural development.
