Community Resilience and Adaptive Strategies for Clean Water Scarcity in Salaon Toba Village, Lake Toba, Indonesia

Number

Reviewer Comments

Author Responses

Notes

1

The title metaphor "Living Beside Abundance, Struggling for Drops" lacks scientific precision and should be more direct about the research focus

Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore we have changed the title to be “Community Resilience and Adaptive Strategies for Clean Water Scarcity in Salaon Toba Village, Lake Toba, Samosir Island.”

P 1 line 1

2

Abstract needs quantitative data on water scarcity severity and specific resilience outcomes measured.

We appreciate the reviewer’s comment. However, since our study is based on a qualitative research approach, we did not include quantitative data or measure specific resilience outcomes, as these aspects were beyond the scope of our methodology.

3

Excessive geological description of Lake Toba detracts from the water scarcity focus - condense to essential context only.

Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore we have changed the matter to be “Lake Toba, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is recognized by geologists and volcanologists as the largest caldera lake in the world, covering a water area of approximately 110,250 ha with a water catchment area of around 259,700 ha that stretches across seven districts (Petraglia, 2; Simanjuntak, 3; Williams, 4). Continued……

Page 1-2 line 1-25

4

Missing clear research objectives, hypotheses, and theoretical framework for community resilience analysis.

Thank you for pointing this out. For much degree, we agree with this comment.

In term of theoretical frame work we have added as follows.

Theoretical frameworks on community resilience in coping with scarcity highlight diverse approaches, each with distinct constructs and methodologies. The WISC (well-being, identity, services, and capitals) framework, with its detailed variables, provides a robust foundation for interdisciplinary research and practical application (1, 2, 3). Similarly, the emBRACE (Building Resilience Amongst Communities in Europe) and Community Capitals frameworks offer valuable insights into the components and dynamics of resilience (4,5). Integrating these perspectives strengthens both conceptual understanding and practical strategies for building resilient communities.

Sorry, in our insight, we have no a hypothesis since this research used qualitative descriptive approach.

Page 2 line 21-29

5

Sample size justification (n=20) is absent - explain how this represents the village population adequately.

Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore we have added the methodological justification as follows.  All informants (n = 20) were water users representing the broader community of Salaon Toba village. The methodological justification for this is that the 20 informants had adequately addressed the research questions, and data saturation was reached as responses began to repeat during the interviews.

Page 2. Sections 2 line 9-12

6

No description of data saturation criteria or validation methods for qualitative findings.

Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore we have added the methodological justification as mentioned above.

All informants (n = 20) were water users representing the broader community of Salaon Toba village. The methodological justification for this is that the 20 informants had adequately addressed the research questions, and data saturation was reached as responses began to repeat during the interviews.

Page 3 line 8-12

7

Water source categories lack quantitative characterization (flow rates, quality parameters, seasonal availability).

We sincerely appreciate the reviewer’s valuable suggestion. However, we encountered difficulties in obtaining quantitative data such as flow rates, water quality parameters, and seasonal availability because no prior hydrological or environmental studies have been conducted on this small-scale lake and its surrounding water sources. As researchers from the field of social sciences, our focus in this study is primarily on understanding the issue of clean water scarcity from a sociological perspective — particularly how local communities perceive, adapt to, and respond to water scarcity in their daily lives.

Nevertheless, we have acknowledged this limitation in the revised manuscript and emphasized the need for future interdisciplinary collaboration with environmental scientists to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the water resource conditions in the study area.

8

Missing cost-benefit analysis of different resilience strategies and their effectiveness metrics.

We sincerely appreciate the reviewer’s insightful comment. As this study is grounded in the field of sociology, our primary objective was to explore community resilience strategies from a social and behavioral perspective rather than conducting an economic or quantitative cost-benefit analysis. At present, there is no available economic data or standardized effectiveness metrics regarding the costs and measurable impacts of these local resilience strategies in the study area.

However, the manuscript qualitatively discusses the relative effectiveness of different adaptation and coping strategies — such as water-sharing practices, social cooperation, and collective decision-making — as perceived by community members themselves. We have also added a note in the revised manuscript acknowledging this limitation and suggesting that future interdisciplinary research could integrate economic and environmental assessments to complement the sociological findings.

9

Water quality data is mentioned but actual measurements (pH, turbidity, contamination levels) are not provided.

Thank you very much for this valuable comment. At the time of this study, there were no available scientific measurements or published research from environmental or natural science disciplines that could serve as references for quantitative water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, or contamination levels in the study area.

10

No hydrological assessment of sustainable extraction rates from various sources.

We sincerely thank the reviewer for this important observation. Unfortunately, at the time of this study, no hydrological assessment or technical data regarding sustainable extraction rates from local water sources was available, and such measurements were beyond the scope of our sociological research design.

11

The "King Bius" prohibition needs deeper exploration of traditional ecological knowledge versus modern water management.

Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment and have added narrative in line with your comments as follows.

In the traditional governance system of the Batak Toba, the Raja Bius (King of Bius) presided over territorial federations (bius) that not only regulated social and ritual order but also managed ecological resources such as forests, rivers, and agricultural lands (Situmorang, 2022; Vergouwen, 1986). One of the institutions within this system was the Raja Bondar (King of River), a customary authority responsible for irrigation and water management, comparable to the Subak system of Bali (Erniwati, Khumaidi, & Sustri, 2024; Gao et al., 2019). The Raja Bondar was particularly significant in overseeing irrigation for rice cultivation and safeguarding the ecological integrity of Lake Toba.

Ethnographic evidence from Lumban Julu village reveals the ecological wisdom embedded in this system. Gorga (inscriptions) carved on the lakeshore prohibited inhabitants from defecating or disposing of waste into Lake Toba, thereby ensuring water cleanliness and potability. Moreover, restrictions were placed on motorized boat traffic in designated zones of the lake, which were believed to be sacred sites inhabited by Boru Saniang Naga Laut, a female water deity revered as the guardian of the lake prior to Christianization (Harahap & Hasibuan, 2022). These practices reflect a complex interplay between cosmology, spirituality, and ecological stewardship.

Similar dynamics are observed in Bali’s Subak system, where irrigation is managed through collective rules rooted in Tri Hita Karana philosophy, emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality (Arsana et al., 2025; Geria, 2023). Comparative studies demonstrate that both Batak and Balinese systems illustrate the principles of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in maintaining sustainable ecosystems. By integrating TEK with modern conservation strategies, it is possible to enhance ecological resilience and develop adaptive frameworks for freshwater management in Indonesia (Aquatic Conservation, 2024; Okura et al., 2022).

Page 14 para 1-3

12

Gender roles in water management are mentioned but not systematically analyzed.

It has been added, thank you.

13

Limited integration of climate projections and vulnerability assessments specific to the study region.

It has been added, thank you.

14

Missing discussion of adaptation versus maladaptation in current practices.

It has been added, thank you.

15

SDG 6 alignment is superficial - needs specific indicators and progress measurement framework.

It has been added, thank you.

16

No concrete recommendations for government intervention or infrastructure development.

Thank you for your comment. We have revised the conclusion section and added concrete recommendations related to government intervention and infrastructure development to address the identified issues.

17

Figures lack scale bars, legends, and proper cartographic standards.

Thank you for your comment. We appreciate your suggestion. However, we would like to request further information or specific requirements regarding the cartographic standards, scale bars, and legends expected by the journal, so that we can make the necessary adjustments accordingly.

18

. Interview quotes need systematic coding and thematic analysis presentation.

Thank you for your suggestion. We did not apply systematic coding in this study; however, we have summarized and synthesized the interview results into key scientific findings that contribute meaningfully to the objectives and analysis of this research.

19

Lacks comparison with similar cases globally or regionally to establish broader relevance.

It has been added, thank you.

20

Missing economic analysis of water transportation costs versus infrastructure investment alternatives.

Thank you for your comment. We have included an economic analysis related to the cost of water transportation services in the revised manuscript. However, we did not extend the analysis to infrastructure investment alternatives, as this topic falls outside the scope of our field of study.

No

Reviewer Comments

Author Responses

Notes

1

The MS, although potentially interesting to readers, is poorly organized and written. 

We sincerely thank the reviewer for this constructive comment and for recognizing the potential relevance of our manuscript. In response, we have carefully revised the structure, language, and overall organization of the paper to improve clarity and coherence. The introduction has been streamlined to better highlight the research problem and objectives, the methods section has been restructured for logical flow, and the discussion has been refined to ensure stronger alignment with the study’s findings and theoretical framework.

2

First, its objectives must be clearly stated. The setting description is poor (e.g. "... water level is about 905 m above sea level. In the north, the lake's maximum depth is 529 m. " is that from the surface or from sea level? "ts area is approximately 640 km2, extending more than 45 km north to south and 19 km wide. Lake Toba's water surface is about 1100 km2,..." not clear. "... which erupted into southern India 73 k.a. years ago" what does k.a. stand for? Isn't the lake in Indonesia?).

We sincerely thank the reviewer for this detailed and helpful feedback. In response, we have revised and clarified the research objectives to make them more explicit at the end of the Introduction section. Additionally, we have improved the description of the study setting in Background paragraph 1 to provide a clearer and more consistent explanation of Lake Toba’s location, elevation, area, and depth. We have also clarified the meaning of “k.a.” (thousand years ago) and corrected the phrasing regarding the eruption’s impact.

3

"This study employs the descriptive qualitative method, gathering data through in-depth interviews with informants, focus group discussions..." was a questionnaire developed or where the interviews in "free format"? 

Thank you very much for this valuable comment. We have now provided a detailed explanation in the Methods section regarding the interview procedure. The clarification has been added and highlighted in the revised manuscript.

4

The MS is more descriptive than quantitative. Specific quantitative information about water uses is scarce. The MS should be revised with a more scientific approach, providing quantitative information, if its aim is to be a reference case study.

We sincerely thank the reviewer for this constructive comment. This study was intentionally designed using a descriptive qualitative approach, which focuses on exploring the social meanings, perceptions, and lived experiences of communities facing clean water scarcity. Therefore, the research does not emphasize the presentation of quantitative data, but rather aims to provide in-depth contextual understanding of community resilience strategies and adaptation practices.

We fully acknowledge that integrating quantitative information could strengthen the study; however, given the methodological orientation and objectives of this research, we have prioritized qualitative depth over numerical representation.

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Question

Author Responses

Line 52-54

Repetition of previous information and duplication of sentences containing the same information. I suggest moving this information to the first paragraph.

We have summarized this paragraph to avoid repetition.

Line 63-64

Clarify how the rainy season differs from the precipitation season.

The rainy season is characterized by high and continuous rainfall (up to 302 mm), the transition season marks the shift between wet and dry periods with moderate and irregular rain, while the precipitation season refers to any period with light or scattered rainfall (31–56 mm) occurring outside the main rainy months.

Line 84-85

Perhaps, in addition to the description, it would be worth adding some specific goals and objectives of the research? Why, ultimately, should such research be carried out?

Thank you very much for this valuable suggestion. We have revised the Introduction section to clearly state the specific goals and objectives of the study, as well as the rationale for conducting this research. These revisions help clarify the study’s significance and contribution to understanding community resilience to water scarcity. The updated sentences have been highlighted in the revised manuscript for the reviewer’s reference.

Line 89

How many residents live in the above-mentioned communities around the lake? How reliable is a sample of 20 respondents? How objectively does this reflect the essence of the issue raised by the authors?

Thank you very much for this important question. The total population of the study area has already been mentioned in the manuscript. As this research employs a qualitative approach, the selection of informants was not based on population size but rather on the relevance and depth of information provided by participants who have direct experience with clean water scarcity.

Furthermore, the reason for selecting this particular location has been added and clarified in the text (lines 107–108) of the revised manuscript.

Line 100

In my opinion, it would be useful to expand the information on the qualitative indicators and quantitative characteristics of chemical substances in the lake water. Water balance (water inflow and consumption volumes). Pollution dynamics, etc. This would greatly expand readers' understanding of the scale of the problem. I think that such studies may already have been conducted, or the authors could rely on official statistical reports from the authorities. Relevant references would be useful for the bibliography.

We sincerely thank the reviewer for this valuable suggestion. Unfortunately, we encountered significant difficulty in finding reliable data on the chemical composition, water balance, or pollution dynamics of the lake—both from our study site and from previous publications. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive hydrological or environmental assessment has been conducted in this specific area.

Given that this study primarily focuses on community resilience from a sociological perspective, the analysis emphasizes social responses and adaptive behaviors rather than environmental measurements. However, we fully acknowledge the importance of such data and will make every effort to incorporate relevant information or references should they become available.

Line 148-150

Please explain how precipitation and the rainy season lead to a decrease in water quantity. Perhaps you are referring to the dry periods of the year.

Thank you very much for this helpful comment and clarification. We acknowledge that the previous wording may have caused confusion. The intended meaning was to refer to the dry period, not the rainy season. Accordingly, we have revised the text to clarify that the decrease in spring water volume occurs during the dry months, when rainfall is relatively low (31–56 mm), particularly in August, while higher rainfall levels (up to 302 mm) during the rainy season increase water availability. This correction and clarification have been made and highlighted in the revised manuscript.

Line 152-153

In my opinion, this information may contain inaccuracies. Is it possible that the underground water source has such an extremely low flow rate (about 1 liter of water per day)? It does not make sense to build water intake structures for such a small amount of water.

Thank you very much for this valuable observation. We acknowledge that the previous phrasing may have been misleading. The statement does not refer to the total daily discharge of the underground spring, but rather to the slow flow rate experienced by villagers when collecting water. Based on field observations, villagers typically wait 30 minutes to one hour to collect one liter of water, and about one to two hours to fill a 20-liter jerrycan due to the limited discharge and long queues at the spring.

This clarification has been added to the Results section and highlighted in the revised manuscript to ensure accuracy and to avoid misinterpretation regarding the spring’s actual water flow.

Line 155-155

Based on the previous information, it appears that in order to prepare lunch or dinner, it is necessary to collect water from the source for several days?

Thank you very much for this comment. We understand that this interpretation may have resulted from unclear wording in the manuscript. However, we did not include any statement suggesting that villagers need to collect water for several days to prepare their meals. To avoid such misunderstanding, we have revised and refined the English phrasing in the relevant section to ensure better clarity and accuracy. The corrected sentences have been highlighted in the revised manuscript.

Line 167-168

Perhaps the issues of drilling technology, well location selection and filter selection were simply not sufficiently studied?

We have added an explanation regarding the attempts at drilling in this area. Based on information from the village head and informants, several programs have tried to locate water points, but the rocky soil structure and other local conditions have made it difficult to find water. We acknowledge that this issue requires further investigation by researchers from other relevant fields to provide an academic explanation of why these difficulties occur in this location.

Line 172-173

In my opinion, such statements encourage a broader presentation of the geological structure of the region so that readers can understand what rocks make up the geological section and what their thickness is.

We appreciate the reviewer’s suggestion regarding a broader presentation of the geological structure of the region. However, as our study is conducted from a social science perspective, we do not have geological data on the composition or thickness of rocks in the area. Therefore, we are unable to provide statements on this aspect.

Line 280-283

I suggest presenting the features, disadvantages and advantages of each practical measure for environmental protection in more detail. In my opinion, a table or diagram with additional information could help the reader to understand better

We appreciate the reviewer’s suggestion. We have attempted to incorporate it by providing more detailed information on the features, advantages, and disadvantages of each practical measure for environmental protection. Additionally, we have included a table to help readers better understand and compare these measures.

Line 289-290

I suggest additionally converting into other world currencies, such as the US dollar, euro, etc.

We have adjusted the manuscript to include the approximate equivalents of the water transportation tariff in major world currencies. The local service, known as “balteng,” charges IDR 100,000–150,000 per water tank, which corresponds roughly to USD 6.5–9.7 or EUR 5.8–8.7

Line 290-291

What is the capacity of this tank? How much does 1 cubic meter of water ultimately cost?

We have revised the manuscript to include detailed information regarding the local water transportation service. This service, locally known as “balteng,” charges IDR 100,000–150,000 per water tank, which is approximately USD 6.5–9.7 or EUR 5.8–8.7. Each balteng has a capacity of approximately 1,000 liters (1 cubic meter). This information provides a clearer understanding of the cost and volume of water supplied to households, allowing readers to better appreciate the scale and economic aspect of the service.

Line 375

This is a well-known method throughout the world. Is there a need to depict it and draw attention to it?

Could you please clarify which method you are referring to? Are you referring to the method of storing rainwater in tanks?

Line 443

Is there any point in showing this picture?

Perhaps it would be advisable to group all the drawings into one to show the current state of the problem?

We appreciate your comment. However, it seems there is a discrepancy regarding the “line” you mentioned. If you are referring to the statements from the informants, we are a bit confused about which figure you mean. Could you kindly clarify so we can address it properly?

Line 493-496

In my opinion, in order to avoid such conflicts, it is necessary to conduct scientific research and calculate the water balance. This will allow setting certain limits on fresh water intake and free up human resources for their involvement in other sectors of the economy and regional development...

Thank you for your valuable comment. To address the conflicts occurring within the community, further studies may be required. Setting specific limits on water intake might be difficult in this area due to the traditional cultural values that strongly bind the community. Therefore, additional research is needed to conduct a proper calculation of the water balance.

4. Conclusions

I propose to expand the conclusions or elements of discussion of the article with specific proposals and recommendations:

1) Improvement of infrastructure;

2) Construction of treatment facilities;

3) Construction of drainage and sewerage systems;

4) Installation of modular units for purification and preparation of drinking water;

5) Development of a legislative and regulatory framework for water management;

6) Conducting educational activities, training the population, etc.;

7) Reorientation of economic sectors to adapt to climate change and water scarcity;

8) Development of tourism, etc.

We sincerely thank the reviewer for the valuable suggestion. In response, we have expanded practical recommendations while keeping the original conclusions intact. These include improving local water infrastructure, constructing small-scale treatment and distribution facilities, implementing community-based purification systems, conducting educational programs on water conservation and climate adaptation, protecting traditional water sources, supporting economically vulnerable households, and developing regulatory frameworks for sustainable water management. These measures aim to enhance community resilience and address water scarcity challenges under climate change.

No

Reviewer Comments

Author Responses

1.

The title of the document seems more like that of a report, not a scientific article.

Thank you for your comment. The title has been revised accordingly to better reflect a scientific article.

2.

The literature review is very short. It must be extended to present similar studies on the topic.

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have added several relevant studies to expand the literature review and strengthen the discussion on this topic.

3.

References must be mentioned in square brackets [ ], not in parentheses ( ).

 Thank you for your valuable comment. We acknowledge the importance of adjusting the reference style to comply with the journal’s guidelines. However, since we are using Mendeley as our reference manager, it is technically challenging to manually change all references from parentheses to square brackets. We will make every effort to adjust the citation style according to the journal’s requirements, and we kindly ask for your understanding if minor technical limitations remain.

4.

The methodology of the research must be presented in the form of a flow chart for better understanding.

Thank you for your helpful suggestion. We have revised the methodology section by adding a flow chart to visually illustrate the research process and improve readers’ understanding of the study design.

5.

The main issue with the article is that it does not present any numerical or logical analysis. Although data is collected from the residents of the area regarding water usage in the form of interviews, it has not been compiled in one place for discussion.

Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have revised the manuscript by reorganizing and rewriting the data obtained from the in-depth interviews. The information has now been compiled and presented more clearly to support the discussion and strengthen the logical analysis of the findings.

6.

Various factors have been identified based on the interviews of one or two persons, but the opinion of the majority about that factor has not been presented.

Thank you for your comment. We have revised the manuscript to include a clearer explanation of how the identified factors represent the views of the majority of informants. Additional supporting statements from several respondents have also been incorporated to strengthen the validity of the findings.

7.

The factors identified through interviews should have been listed in one place, then should have been ranked based on some parameter like priority, or most risked, or highly required, etc.

Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have revised the manuscript by summarizing the factors identified through interviews in one section and organizing them based on their level of priority and relevance to the study.

8.

Only problems have been highlighted; no scientific recommendations have been provided.

Thank you for your comment. We have revised the manuscript and added several scientific recommendations in the conclusion section to address the identified problems more comprehensively.

9.

The article does not fit into the category of a scientific article. It is only a report.

Thank you for your feedback. We respectfully disagree, as this manuscript was developed based on empirical data collected through in-depth interviews and field observations, supported by relevant literature. However, we have revised the structure and presentation of the paper to better align it with the format and standards of a scientific article.

10.

The similarity percentage of 21% is too high for a scientific journal. It must be brought below 10%.

Thank you for your comment. In our country, the acceptable similarity threshold for scientific publications is generally up to 25%. We have not found any specific requirement regarding similarity percentage in Sustainability. However, we will make further efforts to reduce the similarity index to ensure the manuscript meets international publication standards.

11.

The English correction is required at various place

Thank you for your comment. We will carefully revise and improve the English translation throughout the manuscript to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Number

Reviewer Comments

Author Responses

1

The methodology of the research must be presented in the form of a flow chart for better understanding.

Thank you for pointing this out. We have added the flow chart (please see in section 2 “Material and Method.”

2

The main issue with the article is that it does not present any numerical or logical analysis. Although data is collected from the residents of the area regarding water usage in the form of interviews, it has not been compiled in one place for discussion.

Thank you for your constructive comments. We have elaborated the logical analysis in Section 3, “Results.” We acknowledge that we are unable to present definite quantitative data because this research employs a qualitative paradigm. As is commonly understood, one of the limitations of qualitative approaches lies in drawing generalizable conclusions. Nevertheless, we highly appreciate your constructive feedback. Once again, thank you.

3

Various factors have been identified based on the interviews of one or two persons, but the opinion of the majority about that factor has not been presented.

Thank you for your constructive comments. We have elaborated the logical analysis in Section 3, “Results.” We acknowledge that we are unable to present definite quantitative data because this research employs a qualitative paradigm. As is commonly understood, one of the limitations of qualitative approaches lies in drawing generalizable conclusions. Nevertheless, we highly appreciate your constructive feedback. Once again, thank you.

4

Only problems have been highlighted; no scientific recommendations have been provided.

Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have added the conclusion from the perspective of the research approach and scientific findings (please refer to Section 5, “Conclusion,” for details).

5

The article does not fit into the category of a scientific article. It is only a report

Thank you for your valuable feedback. We have added the conclusion from the perspective of the research approach and scientific findings (please refer to Section 5, “Conclusion,” for details).

6

References must be mentioned in square brackets [ ], not in parentheses ( ).

Thank you for your responses. The references have been updated to use square brackets.

Number

Reviewer Comments

Author Responses

1

That is, the flow chart on page 6 should be labeled Figure 3 and titled accordingly, followed by Figure 4. "Water Transport Services" on page 10, Figure 5. "Water Harvesting" on page 12, and Figure 6. "Water Reservoir" on page 13.

Thank you for pointing this out. We have added additional narrative descriptions corresponding to each figure. Please refer to the respective figures (highlighted in yellow) for the updated explanations

2

Furthermore, please note that while 68 papers are listed in the reference list, only 65 of them are cited in the text, and three are missing.

Thank you for pointing out the authors’ oversight. We have removed the three references that were not cited in the main text. These references are:

[1] Nishimura, S.; Abe, E.; Nishida, J.; Yokoyama, T.; Dharma, A.; Hehanussa, P., et al. (1984). A gravity and volcanostratigraphic interpretation of the Lake Toba region, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Tectonophysics, 109(3–4).

[2] Petraglia, M.D.; Ditchfield, P.; Jones, S.; Korisettar, R.; Pal, J.N. (2012). The Toba volcanic super-eruption, environmental change, and hominin occupation history in India over the last 140,000 years. Quaternary International, 258, 119–134.

[3] Simanjuntak, A.V.H.; Muksin, U.; Arifullah, A.; Lythgoe, K.; Asnawi, Y.; Sinambela, M., et al. (2023). Environmental vulnerability characteristics in an active swarm region. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 9(2), 211–226.

3

The cited literature in the reference list also requires corrections, with particular attention to the year of publication (please refer again to the Instructions for Authors).

Thank you once again for reminding us about the importance of maintaining consistency in the reference formatting. We have revised and standardized all references in accordance with the Sustainability journal’s author guidelines