Abstract
Population growth and changes in consumption patterns have caused an increase in both the
volume and types of waste, thereby threatening the environment and public health. Waste
management methods in several areas of Palembang do not meet environmentally friendly
standards, resulting in river pollution and triggering floods. This study aims to analyze the
legal aspects of waste management and its impact on river basins in Palembang City, focusing
on the Musi River, using the IRAC method. The Musi River, central to Palembang’s hydrological
system, faces severe pollution from industrial, household, and macro plastic waste, resulting in
deteriorating water quality and ecosystem damage. Despite robust legal frameworks on Water
Resources and supporting regional regulations, enforcement remains weak due to limited
public compliance and inconsistent supervision. The study highlights the urgent need for
stricter law enforcement, increased community participation, and innovative solutions like the
Palembang City Watershed Information System (SIDAS) to ensure sustainable river basin
management. Findings indicate that while legal instruments are strong on paper, their
effectiveness depends on practical implementation and collaborative efforts among
government, community, and academic stakeholders to address waste and watershed
degradation comprehensively.