Indonesia Brings 3 Global Water Issues Priorities to the 2027 World Water Forum

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has brought three priority issues in the field of water resources (SDA) to be discussed at the 11th World Water Forum which will be held in Saudi Arabia on March 21-25, 2027.

The three priority issues were conveyed by the Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo when giving a keynote speech at the 2nd Stakeholder Consultation Meeting (SCM) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, June 28, as part of the series of preparations for the world water forum.

Minister PU Dody Hanggodo said that water is the main foundation in supporting the agricultural sector, energy, climate action, poverty alleviation, and various other development agendas.

"In the midst of a world that is constantly changing and full of uncertainty, water is a very important foundation for sustainable development. This understanding is the basis of Indonesia's commitment, both when hosting the 10th World Water Forum and in supporting the success of the 11th World Water Forum in Saudi Arabia," said Dody as quoted from a written statement, Wednesday, July 1.

Dody explained that the agricultural sector currently consumes around 72 percent of the total freshwater use in the world, while the need for food production continues to increase along with population growth.

For this reason, he said, sustainable water resources management must be part of the strategy to increase agricultural productivity through irrigation development, water storage, and disaster risk reduction.

In the 11th World Water Forum in Saudi Arabia next year, Indonesia will bring three priority issues.

First, strengthening the relationship between water and food security (water and food security nexus).

According to Dody, every drop of water that exists must be ensured to provide optimal benefits.

"Making every drop count, so that every drop of water can increase food production and strengthen global food security," he said.

Second, strengthening reliable water services for urban areas, rural areas and small islands through the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

Dody assessed that quality water services are an important part of economic, social and environmental development, especially for regions that face water resource constraints and the impact of climate change.

In addition to providing clean water, water management must also include waste water management, disaster risk reduction, space arrangement, and increasing community capacity in maintaining the sustainability of water resources.

"Indonesia's experience shows that when water services are well available, development and growth will follow. Therefore, the World Water Forum needs to encourage the strengthening of integrated water services for communities that face the greatest water challenges," he explained.

Third, strengthen international cooperation in capacity development and exchange of knowledge and innovation in the field of water resources.

As a follow-up to the results of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia has established a Center of Excellence on Water and Climate which is expected to become a center for collaboration, capacity development, and improving human resource competence in the Asia Pacific region.

"Indonesia also opens opportunities for wider cooperation with various countries and development partners to strengthen the role of the Center of Excellence for Water and Climate Resilience," said Dody.

The Democratic Party politician also encouraged the relay of the World Water Forum from Bali to Riyadh to ensure that all commitments that have been agreed upon can be realized into concrete actions that have a direct impact on the community.

"From Bali to Riyadh, we must carry a common principle, namely ensuring that every commitment is actually implemented. Every project must produce real benefits, every service must be sustainable and every community must feel the greatest benefit from water resources management," concluded Dody. (ADV)