The Ministry Of PUPR Encourages HATHI To Overcome Water Management Challenges To Face Climate Change

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono. Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) encourages the Association of Indonesian Hydroulic Engineering Experts (HATHI) to improve the professionalism and competence of its members in order to answer the challenges of managing water resources (SDA) in the future, especially to mitigate the impact of climate change.

"To overcome various challenges due to the impact of climate change, collaboration of all parties, including HATHI, is needed as an organization of expertise in the field of water resources," said PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono in a written statement received by VOI, Saturday, August 26.

Minister Basuki said mitigation efforts were made to deal with the impact of climate change which resulted in drought and flooding, namely through optimization of water storage functions such as dams, reservoirs, ponds, lakes, construction of drill wells, rehabilitation of irrigation networks and preparedness of heavy equipment in the area, such as diggers, tankers, mobile pumps, and others.

As for other efforts that can be made to mitigate the impact of climate change, namely reducing carbon emissions, implementing a water-efficient farming and plantation patterns, developing environmentally friendly infrastructure and technology, and empowering the community.

"In addition, another effort that needs to be made is the application of the concept of green growth, namely a growth process that is oriented towards achieving sustainable development goals," said Basuki.

Basuki assessed that global climate change has had a major impact on human life. The increase in geothermal temperatures has changed climate patterns that affect agricultural productivity, water availability, as well as water utilization for domestic, urban, industrial, energy and other needs.

In water resource management, climate change is related to increasing flood and drought risks.

"I would like to express my gratitude and high appreciation to HATHI for consistently implementing PIT every year and this time it is held at the University of Lampung Campus which will bring HATHI closer as an organization of expertise with the world of education," he said.

Meanwhile, HATHI Chairman Jarot Widyoko said HATHI's 40th PIT is expected to make a real contribution, including the implementation of science and technology given the threat of climate change.

"This is in line with the theme of PIT Hathi this time, namely Water Resources Management to Improve Resilience in Facing Climate Change to achieve Sustainable Development. In total, 195 people were present to provide ideas," he concluded.