Indonesia is championing collaborative efforts to build sustainable global resilience in response to the emerging water challenges of recent years, bringing the issue into the 10th World Water Forum held in Nusa Dua, Bali, from May 18 to 25, 2024.

Raditya Jati, Deputy for System and Strategy at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), emphasized the necessity for cooperative agreements and concrete actions to address transboundary water issues.

"Collaborative efforts are crucial, as exemplified by the management of rivers crossing multiple regions, such as the Rhine River in Europe and the Mekong River in Asia," he said on Saturday.

Sustainable resilience involves the ability to create an environment capable of withstanding disasters, both structurally and non-structurally.

Raditya highlighted that climate change is a primary driver of global water issues, causing excessive rainfall leading to floods and landslides, as well as droughts resulting in wildfires, crop failures, food shortages, poverty, and food security challenges.

"Building sustainable resilience encompasses addressing systemic issues, including the triggers like climate change and achieving sustainable development," he said.

Global efforts to tackle climate change have been pursued, started with the Paris Agreement in 2015 and extended to the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Indonesia has also implemented regulations to address disaster challenges, notably Presidential Regulation No. 87/2020 on the National Disaster Management Master Plan (RIPB) for 2020-2044.

Raditya pointed out that disaster discussions inevitably impact infrastructure and communities.

"This relates to spatial planning, environmental damage, and even infrastructure development that may pose new risks. Every sector plays a role, as each develops its strategies to build resilience," he said.

The 10th World Water Forum provides a platform for nations to discuss and forge agreements aimed at managing shared water resources effectively, highlighting the critical need for international cooperation in fostering a resilient and sustainable future.