Heaptalk, Jakarta — President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reiterated the crucial role of water in human life while opening the High-Level Meeting of the World Water Forum at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Badung Regency, Bali, on Monday (05/20).
“The role of water is very central to human life. The World Bank estimates that water shortages could slow economic growth by up to 6% by 2050. Water scarcity can also trigger wars and become a source of disasters. Too much water or too little water can both be problems for the world,” said President Jokowi.
Indonesia has strengthened its water infrastructure over the past ten years. This enhancement has resulted in the construction of 42 dams, 1.18 million hectares of irrigation networks, 2,156 flood control and coastal protection structures, and the rehabilitation of 4.3 million hectares of irrigation networks. “We are also utilizing water to build the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant, the largest floating solar power plant in Southeast Asia,” he stated.
According to Jokowi, the 10th World Water Forum is highly strategic for revitalizing real action and joint commitments in achieving integrated water resource management. On this occasion, he also emphasized three points Indonesia consistently advocates for in global water resource management. He said, “First, enhancing solidarity and inclusivity to achieve common goals, primarily for small island nations and those experiencing water scarcity.”
Furthermore, Jokowi encouraged the empowerment of hydro diplomacy for concrete and innovative cooperation, and to avoid competition in managing transboundary water resources. “Third, strengthening political leadership is key to the success of various collaborations towards sustainable water resilience,” he added.
In addition, he revealed that at this World Water Forum, Indonesia is introducing four new initiatives: the establishment of World Lake Day, the creation of a Center of Excellence in the Asia-Pacific region, the building of sustainable water governance in small island nations, and mobilizing water projects. “Water is not solely a natural product, but a product of collaboration that unites us, thus requiring joint efforts to safeguard it,” he concluded.
