Rewarding Communities for Keeping Rivers Clean? First Steps in a RiverCare Program in West Lampung- Indonesia ∗

Introduction Around 10% of the electricity produced in Indonesia is supplied by hydropower (EIA, 2004). Most of the hydroelectric plants depend on the regular supply of water from the surrounding watersheds. Storage lakes regulate the water flow and hydropower production. The active storage volume of many storage lakes is threatened by sedimentation. Thus, low sediment loads of the river are in the interest of hydroelectric companies. But, are these companies willing to pay for the service of keeping rivers clean?