PRESS RELEASE

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA TEAM OF THE 10^TH WORLD WATER FORUM

NO.130/SP/TKM-WORLDWATERFORUM2024/05/2024

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Indonesia Calls for Equal Access to Clean Water on Small Islands

Small islands scattered worldwide have the right to access clean water or enjoy its facilities. This joint commitment was discussed in the High-Level Panel 12 of the 10^th World Water Forum discussion on "Integrated Water Resources Management on Small Islands" at the Bali International Convention Center, Nusa Dua, on Tuesday 21 May.

In his speech, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said that most small island countries have the same problems, such as limited resources, urbanization, agriculture, remoteness, vulnerability to natural disasters as the economic center is near the coastline, and a vulnerable natural environment.

"In small island developing states, these challenges are further exacerbated by a lack of financial resources and technical capacity, thereby disrupting the implementation of climate resilience plans," said Basuki.

He further said that to overcome various water-related problems, it is essential to build and facilitate a knowledge-based understanding of the impacts of climate change on small island states, small islands, and states.

"It is hoped that this High-Level Panel meeting can provide a framework for cooperation in encouraging and implementing integrated water resources management on small islands," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Pahala Mansury said that Indonesia is committed to evenly increasing access to clean water across all islands, including small islands. Collaboration between the central and regional governments is the key to achieving the goal of clean water accessibility on small islands.

"Through the 10^th World Water Forum, the Indonesian Government and delegations from the countries present are committed to encouraging equal access to clean water for small islands," said Pahala.

The Chief Financial Officer of the Water and Energy Company on the Island of Bonaire, Joanne Balentien, said that Bonaire is an island country that cares about access to clean water. The presence of the 10th World Water Forum is expected to provide concrete steps towards the sustainability of water resources on small islands.

"The 10th World Water Forum is a means of synergy where we can exchange experiences and insights related to water. "The Bonaire government itself ensures that pipe installation is evenly distributed so that residents who live feel safe and are free to use and consume clean water," he said.

The 10^th World Water Forum takes place in Nusa Dua, Bali, from 18 to 25 May under the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity”. Meanwhile, its six sub-themes are Water Security and Prosperity; Water for Humans and Nature; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; Governance, Cooperation, and Hydro-diplomacy; Sustainable Water Finance; and Knowledge and Innovation related to Water. (Ridho Syukra/Firda Puri/TR/Elvira Inda Sari/EL/Flow)

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For further information, please get in touch with the following:

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

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

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