Indonesia Calls For Equivalence In Access To Clean Water On The 10th WWF

Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono (Photo: dock. Antara)

InJAKARTA - At the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in Bali, Indonesia calls for equal access to clean water on small islands.

Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono said that most small archipelagic countries have the same problems as resource constraints, urbanization, agriculture, remoteness, vulnerability to natural disasters due to the economic center near the coastline, and vulnerable natural environment.

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

Basuki explained that to overcome various water-related problems, it is important to build and facilitate knowledge-based understanding of the impact of climate change on small island countries, small islands, and states.

"The meeting of the High Level Panel is expected to provide a framework for cooperation in encouraging and implementing integrated water resource management on small islands," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Pahala Mansury said that Indonesia is committed to increasing access to clean water evenly throughout the island, including on small islands.

Collaboration between the central and regional governments is the key to achieving clean water accessibility goals on small islands.

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

Chief Financial Officer of the Water and Energy Company the Island of Bonaire Joanne Balentien said that Bonaire is an island nation that really cares about access to clean water.

The presence of the 10th World Water Forum is expected to provide concrete steps on the sustainability of water resources on small islands.

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

The 10th World Water Forum will be held in Nusa Dua, Bali on 18-25 May 2024 with the big theme 'Water for Joint Welfare' or 'Water for Shared Prosperity'.