Foreign Minister Retno Affirms Disorders In Fresh Water Sources Affect Ecosystems, Food Security And Health

Foreign Minister Retno when discussing water issues on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs RI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said disturbances in freshwater sources affect ecosystems to health throughout the world.

Foreign Minister Retno said this at the "United by Water: Securing Our Collective Water Future Amid Rising Seas and Melting Glaciers" Meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters (UN) in New York, United States on Wednesday.

On this occasion, Foreign Minister Retno emphasized the crucial role of water in ensuring the future of archipelagic countries such as Indonesia.

In his speech, Minister Retno stated, water is not only a source of life, but also a source of shared vulnerability, especially for countries facing a real threat from rising sea levels and melting glaciers.

Foreign Minister Retno highlighted Indonesia's unique position as an archipelagic country with more than 17,000 islands, emphasizing that the challenges faced by small island countries are also Indonesia's challenges.

"The rise of sea levels and the melting of glaciers has had a broad impact on archipelagic countries, including Indonesia," said Foreign Minister Retno, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, September 26.

"Disturbations in freshwater sources and weather patterns greatly affect the ecosystem, food and health security around the world," said Foreign Minister Retno.

There are two important points that Foreign Minister Retno emphasized regarding the global water issue on this occasion.

First, urgent action against climate change. Minister Retno called for the need for immediate and urgent global action regarding climate change, stressing mitigation and adaptation efforts must go hand in hand to deal with this issue.

He stressed the importance of political commitment to guide innovation and concrete actions, focusing on the principle of "not leaving anyone behind."

"We must place water on the high political agenda of each country," he stressed, highlighting the need to expand innovative financing for actions related to water and climate, including increasing climate funding, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 26.

The next important thing is the implementation of an innovative program. Foreign Minister Retno emphasized Indonesia's commitment to an innovative water management program, referring to the results of the 10th World Water Forum which was held in Bali in May.

"Indonesia is committed to implementing Integrated Water Resources Management to optimize water resources in various sectors," he said.

"In addition, Indonesia has developed a community-based program aimed at building drinking water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as a wastewater management system. These programs are in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6)," continued Foreign Minister Retno.

Minister Retno stressed the importance of making water a unifying factor in facing global challenges together.

"Water is life, and protecting it is our common responsibility," concluded Minister Retno.