To Host Air Asia Week, Coordinating Minister Airlangga: RI Encourages Sustainable Development

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto (center) at The 2nd Asia International Water Week (Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto said Indonesia has a strong determination to play an active role in the issue of water utilization and management. This was conveyed by Airlangga regarding the implementation of The 2nd Asia International Water Week (AIWW) which was held in Labuan Bajo, NTT 14-16 March 2022.

According to him, Asia has the most significant global concentration of water-related risks, including water scarcity, flooding, drought, water pollution, melting glaciers and inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services.

In addition, rapid urbanization and population growth, intense industrial activity, and climate change pose additional threats to water security in Asia.

"Indonesia believes that with water-related stakeholders and leading experts gathered at AIWW we can share insights and experiences to support and develop activities that will contribute to sustainable development," he said in a statement, Monday, March 14.

In his explanation, Airlangga revealed that Indonesia is a country with complex water problems. He said, RI has abundant water resources which are managed by multilevel water management, such as the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) which has a special unit that handles water management throughout Indonesia.

The issue of water utilization and management is increasingly strategic considering that this sector is closely related to climate change issues.

Meanwhile, The Asia Water Ministers' Meeting gives all countries the opportunity to increase cooperation to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and promote economic growth, while tackling climate change and working to preserve our pristine nature.

“I look forward to being part of the important discussions that will take place in the next two days. I am optimistic that this second Asia International Air Week will produce high-quality policy recommendations and action plans that can be implemented with clear timelines that will contribute to sustainable development in Asia," concluded Coordinating Minister Airlangga.