VALUASI EKONOMI JASA LINGKUNGAN HIDROLOGI HUTAN PRODUKSI JINI SEBAGAI PENYEDIA AIR BERSIH BAGI MASYARAKAT DESA BANGKALI KABUPATEN MUNA

The availability of clean water is one of the most important environmental services provided by forest ecosystems and plays a crucial role in supporting community livelihoods. Jini Production Forest in Bangkali Village, Watopute District, Muna Regency functions as a water catchment area that sustains Jini Spring, the primary source of domestic water for local residents. This study aimed to analyze domestic water consumption, estimate the economic value of water-related environmental services, and assess water availability based on the discharge of Jini Spring. A descriptive quantitative approach with a survey method was employed. The study involved 83 households selected through simple random sampling from a population of 496 water-user households. Data were collected through field observations, interviews, documentation, and spring discharge measurements. The economic value of environmental services was estimated using the prevailing market price approach, while water availability was assessed based on spring discharge data. The results showed that total domestic water consumption reached 44,924.12 m³ per year, with the highest proportion used for bathing, followed by washing, cooking, and other household activities. The economic value of water environmental services provided by Jini Production Forest was estimated at IDR 336,930,900 per year using the prevailing market price approach and IDR 175,204,068 per year based on the applicable water tariff. The discharge of Jini Spring was measured at 0.0020 m³ s⁻¹, equivalent to approximately 62,208 m³ per year, indicating a surplus water availability of 17,283.88 m³ per year. These findings highlight the significant economic and ecological benefits of the hydrological services provided by Jini Production Forest and emphasize the importance of sustainable forest and water resource management. Keywords: Production forest; Hydrological services; Water availability; Water use; Environmental services valuation