The Indonesian government will encourage the exchange of knowledge, research, innovation, and water resource management technologies with other countries at the 10th World Water Forum, which will be held in Nusa Dua, Bali, from 18 to 25 May 2024. One of the topics discussed will be the development of green energy infrastructure to support the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) goal by 2060.

Basuki Hadimuljono, Chief Operating Officer of the Indonesian National Organizing Committee of the 10th World Water Forum, Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR), stated in a statement issued on Friday, 3 May 2024, in Jakarta, that his ministry prioritizes the principles of a sustainable environment in infrastructure development and provision by optimizing all existing potential.

"One is improving the utilization of 187 existing and 61 new dams built between 2015 and 2024. The goal is to supply renewable power through hydropower and solar power and develop waste-to-energy projects,” Basuki said.

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing is also developing waste-to-energy processing to use methane gas produced from garbage as an alternative energy source, which has already been implemented in Balikpapan (East Kalimantan) and Banjarbakula (South Kalimantan).

"We also apply the Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) method, such as at the Tritih Lor Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) in Cilacap Regency (Central Java), Cicukang Holis in Bandung, Kersiman Kertalangu, Padangsambian Kaja, and Tahura in Denpasar (Bali)," he said.

In addition, to supply raw water and alleviate drought, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing utilizes Hydro-Powered Water Pump (PATH) technology. This technology uses a water pump propelled by the rotational force of a water-powered turbine without converting that power into electrical power.

PATH technology is extremely simple because it operates without power or other fuels, making it easy to use. It has been effectively implemented and received in Temanggung, Magelang, Pacitan, Humbang Hasundutan (Humbahas), Sekampung Dam, and Pidekso Dam.

In line with the advancements in technology and research in the field of water resources, Deputy for Development Policy at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Mego Pinandito stated that his party had also established several schemes to encourage cooperation and collaboration between developed and developing countries in the 10th World Water Forum. One of them is how to address climate change in the management of water resources through research programs on a global scale,

"We recognize the critical importance of research and innovation in identifying solutions to the global water crisis. It is undeniable that climate change has a profound impact on human development and security," said Mego.

Additionally, at the 10th World Water Forum, BRIN will present various technological advancements concerning water resources. Among these are the Prototype Program House in hydrometeorological and climate disaster monitoring technology and the SIAGA (Information System for River Water Level Monitoring and Natural Symptoms), a smart system designed to provide early warning of flooding in the Bekasi watershed.

Another research project is on a hybrid wetland system with adsorbents to remediate pollution loads from the textile sector. To kick off the celebration, BRIN will introduce the SIDANAU application, which contains information on Indonesian lakes.

"It’s expected that we and other countries in the world can learn from each other about technological innovations that are very likely to be implemented by each country," Mego said.

For information, the Indonesian government, in collaboration with the World Water Council (WWC), has organized a series of meetings on the road to the 10th World Water Forum. The forum has three main processes: political, regional/regional, and thematic processes. The synergy of these three processes is required to materialize water for shared prosperity. (Firda Puri/TR, Elvira Inda Sari/SC/PR)

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