The 10th WWF is a Form of Indonesia’s Contribution in Handling Global Water Issues
By: Andra Suhenda / Bumi Hijau Institute Contributor
The 10th World Water Forum (WWF), which will take place on 18-25 October in Bali, is a highly anticipated meeting. This event is a form of Indonesia’s commitment and contribution to addressing water issues on a global scale.
The 10th World Water Forum will be held in Bali with the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity” and divides the discussion into three topics: thematic, political and regional. There are six subthemes within the thematic topic, covering various water-related aspects. Meanwhile, on regional topics, the discussion will be divided by region, considering that each region has unique challenges related to water.
This forum targets participation of 30,000 people, including heads of state, ministers and representatives from various organizations. This shows Indonesia’s commitment to fighting for water issues globally through concrete action and collaboration across sectors and countries.
Indonesia has had the honor of hosting the 10th WWF, and this marks Indonesia’s important role in addressing global water issues. Indonesia emphasizes the importance of concrete actions and policies. Nani emphasized that policy is an important aspect in handling water problems, and this forum involves various parties, including policy makers, experts, academics and science.
Deputy for Environmental and Forestry Management Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Nani Hendiarti, emphasized that the 10th World Water Forum will focus on developing concrete actions to address global water issues and problems. As host of the international forum which will be held in Bali on 18-25 May 2025, Indonesia is determined to present solutions and contributions to handling global water problems.
Nani explained that Indonesia would propose three important things in the forum. The first is funding water services to mitigate water-related disasters triggered by climate change in island countries. Second is the establishment of the Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience. And third is a proposal for World Lake Day.
This international forum can accelerate action to anticipate and deal with water scarcity, resilience to water-related disasters, and realize affordable water supply and access for everyone.
The Director General of Human Settlements of the Ministry of PUPR, Diana Kusumastuti, emphasized that the Community-Based Drinking Water and Sanitation (Pamsimas) and Community-Based Sanitation (Sanimas) Programs are good examples because they are able to increase access to clean water and sanitation in dense rural and urban areas. The key to the success of this program is collaboration between the government and the community and minimal costs borne by the community.
Pamsimas has succeeded in increasing access to drinking water and sanitation in rural areas, while Sanimas focuses on providing waste water infrastructure in dense urban areas. Both programs involve the community in the entire process, from planning to facility maintenance, with the aim that the benefits obtained can be sustainable.
In the 10th World Water Forum, Indonesia will voice the importance of water as a key factor towards shared prosperity, especially for WWC member countries. The government will propose various steps to increase the coverage of drinking water services, increase the capacity for implementing the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM), and increase the role and funding commitment of various parties.
Apart from that, in this forum there will be specific discussions on water-related issues, both from a political, regional and thematic perspective. Diana emphasized that synergy between these three processes is needed to achieve real solutions in overcoming water problems.
Indonesia’s initiative to take the position as host for a forum discussing all aspects of water in the world is very important. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) stated that the World Water Forum is an Indonesian initiative to discuss water ecosystems at a global level.
Water resources are an ecosystem that starts from upstream to downstream, so it does not only discuss the issue of water availability but also discusses technology, funding and challenges. Indonesia’s appointment as host of the 10th World Water Forum is the first in the Southeast Asia region which will take place in Nusa Dua, Bali Province on 18-25 May 2024 by the World Water Council (WWC), and is considered proof of international institutions’ trust in Indonesia. [p-topic]
