Entering the Global Agenda Priority, Minister Basuki Explains the Importance of Clean Water and Sanitation

Illustration of clean water (Photo: Doc. KPUPR)

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono encouraged governments/heads of state in the world to place the issue of clean water and sanitation as one of the priority agendas, in accordance with the 6th Sustainable Development Goal (TPB/SDGs).

He expressed this at the 3rd Global Water Security Seminar Implementation of SDG Progress and Monitoring in Beijing, China, on Monday, September 11.

"The acceleration of the 6th SDGs is to ensure the provision of clean water and sustainable sanitation for all by 2030. This must become a global awareness of all stakeholders, including political leaders," said Minister Basuki in a written statement received by VOI, Tuesday, September 12 .

Basuki said that the Indonesian Government is fully committed to achieving the 6th SDGs target and has taken significant steps to ensure that all Indonesian people have access to safe and adequate drinking water and sanitation.

Meanwhile, throughout 2022, the Indonesian Government has made significant steps with various urban and rural clean water supply programs.

"Currently, access to clean water has reached 90 percent, while sanitation has reached around 80 percent. This achievement reflects Indonesia's commitment to ensuring a healthier and cleaner environment for everyone," he said.

According to Basuki, global water demand has increased sharply, in line with population and industrial growth. Meanwhile, sustainable water quality and availability is increasingly difficult due to environmental degradation and climate change.

"It is recorded that around 27 percent or 2.2 billion people in the world do not have access to safe drinking water services in 2022. Meanwhile, the number of people who do not have access to safe sanitation services will reach 43 percent or 3.5 billion people in 2022," he said.

Minister Basuki hopes that the XVIII World Water Congress which is taking place in Beijing can strengthen and unite global commitment in realizing water-related agendas. It is hoped that the results of this congress can be continued in the 10th World Water Forum which will be held in Bali, Indonesia, in 2024.

"One of the sub-themes that will be discussed at the 10th World Water Forum in 2024 is Water for Security and Prosperity. This sub-theme is in line with our commitment to realizing water conservation for future generations," he added.