By : Ahmad Rahmawan )*
Indonesia is ready to host the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in Bali on 18-25 May 2024. Holding the 10th World Water Forum in Indonesia is an honor considering that this forum is an international forum attended by various countries to address global water problems. In this forum, various countries will be present together to discuss strategies to overcome the world water crisis, because currently the water problem is a very serious matter to be discussed for the sake of the sustainability of life in the future.
The issue of the water crisis is one of the main challenges faced by global society today, and requires joint efforts from various parties to find an effective solution. There are several reasons why the water crisis is a very important and urgent issue to be discussed globally, such as, water resources are limited and continue to decrease due to population growth, urbanization and climate change. This increases pressure on the availability of clean water for human consumption, agriculture and industry. Then climate change causes unstable rainfall patterns, increases the risk of floods and droughts, and affects the natural water cycle. So this can threaten food security, community life and water ecosystems.
Additionally, millions of people around the world still do not have adequate access to clean water and basic sanitation, leading to health problems, poverty and inequality. Then competition for access and control over water resources can also trigger conflict between countries, regions or communities, which has the potential to worsen regional stability and world peace. Furthermore, water pollution, damage to water ecosystems, and unsustainable development can threaten the sustainability of water resources and aquatic life.
Special Staff to the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) for Water Resources, Firdaus Ali, said the government would promote hydro-diplomacy in the upcoming World Water Forum. Through hydro-diplomacy, Indonesia seeks to facilitate dialogue between countries or between governments by sharing knowledge, technology and experience related to water resources management, as well as encouraging cooperation in efforts to resolve water-related conflicts in various regions. In addition, Indonesia also encourages investment and new technology in efficient and sustainable water management, as well as strengthening regional and global cooperation in resolving water-related conflicts and achieving water-related sustainable development goals.
The 10th World Water Forum in Bali is a forum for finding solutions to achieve water security, looking at the challenges of climate change and increasing community needs. This forum is very important and is a strategy to share knowledge, understanding of all scientists and practitioners to find solutions to water problems. The World Water Forum will focus on discussing four things, namely water conservation, clean water and sanitation, food and energy security, and mitigation of natural disasters.
Water is a form of shared prosperity amidst the challenges of climate change and community needs. If problems arise regarding water, it will create injustice between countries that have abundant water supplies and countries that have minimal water supplies, so political decisions are needed from world leaders to support joint efforts to realize prosperity in providing water.
Meanwhile, Expert Staff to the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) for Technology, Industry and the Environment and Deputy Chair I of the National Secretariat Organizing the 10th World Water Forum, Endra S. Atmawidjaja said that world leaders can explore many interesting things from Indonesia, especially related to how to solve water management problems. Indonesia’s success in encouraging water governance through a local cultural approach can be a lesson for the global community. These good practices involving all stakeholders prove that Indonesia is able to lead the world in facing the water crisis.
Then, as an effort to preserve water resources and food security, since 2014, President Joko Widodo’s government has initiated the construction of 61 dams until 2024. Of this number, currently 36 dams have been completed and the remaining 25 dams are under construction.
It is hoped that with increased awareness of the importance of the water crisis, the world will see greater efforts in finding collective solutions. Initiatives such as the World Water Forum, the United Nations, and various international organizations have played an important role in facilitating collaboration between countries and other stakeholders to address the water crisis globally.
Additionally, solutions to the water crisis require a comprehensive and sustainable approach, including better water management, conservation, investment in infrastructure, climate change adaptation, and building community capacity. Then, with solid global cooperation, the hope of overcoming the water crisis and creating a more sustainable future for everyone becomes possible.
)* The author is an environmental observer
