The Indonesian government is set to present a range of strategic projects related to water totaling US$9.6 billion (IDR 154 trillion). These projects will be offered during the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in Nusa Dua, Bali, from May 18 to 25, 2024.
“We are preparing projects and activities that can be offered and agreed upon collectively,” Secretary-General of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Mohammad Zainal Fatah, said during a coordination meeting for the 10th WWF in Nusa Dua on Saturday, April 20, 2024 as quoted by Antara.
Zainal did not provide detailed information on the water-related projects or activities to be offered during the triennial global water event. The list of projects is currently being compiled and selected by the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).
“This already combines many proposals, with a value of US$9.6 billion in the form of projects, whether they are ongoing projects or new projects whose funding has been allocated,” Zainal said.
He hopes that the forum addressing the future water needs will yield concrete outcomes, considering water is one of the world’s crucial issues.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said that delegations from 193 countries worldwide are scheduled to attend the ministerial-level meeting at the forum. The total delegation for the meeting in Bali is estimated to reach around 35,000 people.
“Specifically, Indonesia will host a head of state session to enhance political commitment, emphasizing the importance of water, food, and energy, as water becomes a serious global issue in the future,” Luhut said.
He added that the 10th WWF will also be attended by officials equivalent to heads of state. As of Saturday, April 20, 2024 eight heads of state have scheduled to attend.
Indonesia hosts the 10th World Water Forum with the theme “Water for Prosperity,” following the decision made at the General Assembly of the World Water Council (WWC) in Senegal in 2022.
The WWF is an international meeting involving various stakeholders in the water resources sector, including governments, parliaments, political leaders, multilateral institutions, politicians, academics, civil society, businesses, and others.
The 10th WWF carries six main sub-themes: water resilience and prosperity, water for people and nature, disaster risk reduction and management, governance, cooperation, and hydro-diplomacy, sustainable water financing, and knowledge and innovation.
