CSR Programs of Municipal Water Utility Companies for Wetland Communities of South Kalimantan

Abstract

Many studies on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of private companies' social funds. Only a few studies on CSR programs of municipal utility companies. The municipal utility company is unique because it has a captive market, and the Government regulates the company. These factors impact company's CSR strategy. This study qualitatively analyzed the CSR of municipal water utility companies of Bandarmasih and Intan Banjar. The Bandarmasih, which is located in the city of Banjarmasin, represents urban wetlands. The Intan Banjar, which service area includes Banjarbaru city and Banjar regency, represents rural wetlands. The analysis method was descriptive exploratory through observation, interviews, and focus group discussion. The results showed that the CSR programs had been sufficiently implemented but ineffective to fulfill the wetland community's needs. The CSR programs were sporadic and did not strategically improve the companies' image. The CSR programs were not derived from the companies' vision and mission. There was no formulated social responsibility policy. This current research contributes to designing a 'signature' CSR program under its core business competencies for community welfare. This research is among the first to focus on municipal utility companies' CSR programs concerning communities in wetland areas.