This study argues that after decades of ’Integrated water management’ in Upper Citarum River Basin the most challenging factor is: to change the behaviour and perceptions of the people. Local people spoke mainly about industries as cause of pollution and ignored their own behaviour.
My research shows the ambiguity of the perceptions of the people to pollution of Citarum River and the spiritual purification with this dirty water before commencing prayers. This study found that perceptions of pollution are strongly connected with a consciousness and spirituality of purity. Polluted water is perceived as ‘normal’ and is part of their life. People search pragmatic for alternative water sources and pump well water for their daily needs. This is in disregard to the local myth, moreover well water is muddy and contaminated by bacteria.
This study found that local belief seemed to be demolished by ‘modernizing river management’. In fact the religious perception is still underdeveloped in relation to solve behaviour problems in the water crisis.