VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia is expected to reap many benefits from the implementation of the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in 2024, especially in the economy and water management sectors, the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister said.

“About 100 thousand visitors staying in Bali for a week will be able to boost our economy. We can also show the world about Indonesia’s attempts in water management,” Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said at the 2nd Announcement of the 10th WWF here on Thursday.

The presence of WWF participants is expected to increase the region’s income from the tourism, creative economy, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sectors.

In addition, the benefits of the implementation of the forum include knowledge sharing on various innovations for managing water resources, increasing food production, and mitigating disasters.

The minister highlighted the trust accorded by the World Water Council (WWC) to Indonesia by asking it to host the WWF in 2024 with just two years of preparation.

“It is held every three years, however (for its implementation) in 2024, we only have two years (left to get ready). The World Water Council strongly believes Indonesia will be able to hold it although the preparation time is (only) two years," he said.

Indonesia was designated the host of the 10th WWF during the 9th WWF in Dakar, Senegal, on March 21–26, 2022. Initially, the 10th WWF was to be implemented in 2021, however, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The forum serves as a platform for state leaders, corporations, non-governmental organizations, media, and the general public to discuss and resolve issues related to sustainable water management.

According to Hadimuljono, the implementation of the 10th WWF in June 2024 in Bali is not only on his ministry’s agenda, but the agenda of all stakeholders in Indonesia since it is a big event, which will also be attended by 56 ministers and 12 heads of state.

Many participants of the 9th WWF voted for Bali as the host for the next implementation of the forum, he noted.

Thus, Bali’s tourist destinations would be a strong attraction for those who voted in favor of it, and it is possible that they will also bring their families when attending the forum in 2024, he added.

“Thus, the implementation of WWF in Bali is worth waiting for,” he remarked.

Indonesia will highlight the issue of water for mutual prosperity at the 10th WWF, he added.

The forum was first held in 1997 in Marrakech, Morocco. It aims to realize the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as well as ensure the sustainable availability and management of clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. (antaranews)