PRESS RELEASE

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA TEAM OF THE 10TH WORLD WATER FORUM   

NO.139/SP/TKM-WORLDWATERFORUM2024/05/2024

Indonesia Opens for Collaboration to Solve Global Water Problems

The Indonesian Government is open to collaboration with various countries to overcome global water management challenges. Such collaboration is implemented in several initiatives at the 10^th World Water Forum, which is taking place in Nusa Dua Bali on 18-25 May.

Special Advisor to the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) on Technology, Industry, and Environment who is also Vice Chair of Secretariat I of the National Organizing Committee the 10^th World Water Forum, Endra S. Atmawidjaja, said that the initiative had been agreed upon in the Ministerial Declaration to be followed up with real action by countries worldwide.

“First, on the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for small islands. This is relevant to be raised at the Bandung Spirit Water Summit, where these various challenges can be answered by collaboration with other countries. Then, the formation of Global Water Fund, indicates that we cannot solve water problems by relying on one country alone, but by collaboration," said Endra in a press conference entitled "Collaboration Between Government and Private Sector in Addressing Water Issues in Indonesia " at the Media Center of the 10^th World Water Forum in Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Thursday (23 May).

Furthermore, he said, the Indonesian Government agreed to establish a Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience to deal with the management of water problems due to climate change. In this regard, Indonesia will target strengthening South-South cooperation (SSC).

"This Center of Excellence (COE) is the answer to the climate challenges we are currently facing in the world," said Endra.

Apart from that, Indonesia is pushing for the establishment of World Lake Day, which is motivated by the condition of lakes in the world, including Indonesia, which is already in the critical category. Lakes, which function as a water reservoir, need to be maintained to fulfill the water availability for all people in the world.

"The determination of World Lake Day has become an issue in various countries because lakes as water reservoirs are unique ecosystems that can ensure water security. We want to maintain the lake more sustainably," said Endra.

Not only did it carry out several initiatives by collaborating with other countries in the 10^th World Water Forum, but the Indonesian Government also opened up space for collaboration with the private sector to answer water management challenges as private sector contribution has a substantial role in supporting the accessibility and availability of adequate drinking water for the community.

VP General Secretary Danone Indonesia Vera Galuh Sugijanto said at the occasion that her party was committed to supporting government programs to overcome water problems and accelerate the achievement of the target of providing adequate and safe drinking water.

"We have implemented policies that focus on three main pillars, namely protecting water resources and the environment, encouraging water circularity in production systems, and providing access to clean water and sanitation through the WASH (Water Access, Sanitation, and Hydration) program," she said.

The WASH program is a multi-sector collaborative program that aims to increase access to clean water in several areas with limited access to clean water. To date, the WASH program has provided access to clean water for more than 500,000 people. (Firda Pur/TR/Elvira Inda Sari/WS/PR)

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For further information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320)

PCO of the 10th World Water Forum - Dede Ariwibowo (08111830020)

Get more information at https://infopublik.id/kategori/world-water-forum and https://s.id/worldwaterforumpedia