An integrated assessment of vulnerability to water scarcity measurement in small islands of Indonesia

Water scarcity, especially in the small islands of Indonesia, has caused trouble for social maintenence of water needs. While many instruments have been developed to measure community vulnerability indexes, the majority do not reflect the overall condition. Therefore, this research will formulate a vulnerability index for water fulfillment in small islands, using a comprehensive method so that the result can be used as a reference in policy-making. This research applied the deductive-positivist approach of the quantitative method. It started off with establishing the dimensions of vulnerability: exposure, adaptive capacity, and sensitivity. These were then operationalized into indicator/parameter of indexes to measure vulnerable conditions. The result shows that this vulnerability index can be utilized as a basis for policy decision-making as it considers the attributes that had proved to be sustainable. To reduce vulnerability in small islands, there is a need for a policy that considers community capacity and adaptive patterns that could improve their social and economic capital.