VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Jokowi when opening the High-Level Meeting of the 10^th World Water Forum attended by 48 countries and international organizations in Bali, on Monday, 20 May (Photo : Infopublik.id) -

VOInews, Bali : Indonesian President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo emphasized the crucial role of water in human life. Problematic water management, in addition to slowing economic growth, also has the potential to trigger war and become a source of disaster. Therefore, Indonesia is advancing four concrete initiatives at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali on 18-25 May 2024.

“Too much water and too little water both can be a problem for the world,” said President Jokowi when opening the High-Level Meeting of the 10^th World Water Forum attended by 48 countries and international organizations in Bali, on Monday, 20 May.

For the first time since the World Water Forum was held, world water issues were discussed at the head-of-state level or at a High-Level Meeting.

In the past decade, Indonesia has bolstered its water infrastructure by constructing 42 dams, developing 1.18 million hectares of irrigation networks, building 2,156 km of flood control and coastal security, and rehabilitating 4.3 million hectares of irrigation networks.

Indonesia has also constructed the largest floating solar power plant in Southeast Asia at the Cirata Reservoir.

President Jokowi emphasized that the 10th World Water Forum is crucial for revitalizing concrete action and joint commitment to realize integrated water resources management.

Indonesia has consistently advocated several things including increasing solidarity and inclusiveness to find joint solutions, particularly for small island nations and those facing water scarcity.

Indonesia also promotes hydro-diplomacy to foster concrete and innovative cooperation, while avoiding competition in the transboundary water resources management.

Strengthening political leadership is crucial for Indonesia's success in achieving sustainable water security through various collaborations.

President Joko Widodo revealed four new initiatives promoted by Indonesia at the 10th World Water Forum. These initiatives included the establishment of World Lake Day, the establishment of a center of excellence in the Asia Pacific, sustainable water management in small island countries, and the promotion of water projects.

“Water is not just a natural product, but a product of collaboration that unites us, so joint efforts are needed to protect it,” President Joko Widodo concluded//VOI