ASIATODAY.ID, BALI – The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo emphasized the important role of water in human life. If it is not managed well, problems will arise such as slowing economic growth, triggering war.
“The World Bank estimates that water shortages could slow economic growth by up to 6 percent until 2050,” said President Jokowi at the 10th World Water Forum, at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Monday, 20 May 2024.
“Water scarcity can also trigger war and can be a source of disaster. ‘Too much water’ or ‘too little water’, both can become world problems,” he continued.
President Jokowi explained Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its water infrastructure over the last decade, including the construction of 42 dams, 1.18 million hectares of irrigation, 2,156 kilometers of flood control and coastal protection, as well as rehabilitating 4.3 million hectares of irrigation networks.
“We also use water to build a Floating Solar Power Plant at Cirata Reservoir, the largest floating plant in Southeast Asia,” he explained.
Furthermore, President Jokowi emphasized that the 10th World Water Forum was very strategic in revitalizing real action and joint commitment in realizing integrated water resources management.
For this reason, President Jokowi consistently encourages three things, namely increasing the principles of solidarity and inclusiveness, empowering concrete and innovative hydro-diplomacy, and strengthening political leadership in international cooperation regarding water.
Indonesia also proposed four new initiatives in this forum, namely the establishment of World Lake Day, the establishment of a Center of Excellence in the Asia Pacific for water and climate security, sustainable water management in small island countries, and the promotion of water projects. These initiatives demonstrate Indonesia’s commitment to leading global efforts in sustainable water governance.
This event was attended by state leaders, heads of international organizations, and delegations from various countries, marking the importance of international cooperation in overcoming the challenges of water resource management in the future.
President Jokowi closed his remarks by inviting all parties to collaborate in maintaining the sustainability of water resources.
“Water is not just a natural product, but a collaborative product that unites us, so joint efforts are needed to protect it,” he stressed. (AT Network)
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