Bali – The 10th World Water Forum was officially opened by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Monday (20/5). During the meeting, President Jokowi said that Indonesia hopes that the world can collaborate on an ongoing basis in overcoming global challenges related to water.
“By gathering us in Bali today, of course Indonesia hopes that the world can join hands on an ongoing basis to strengthen the commitment to collaboration in overcoming global challenges related to water,” he said.
In his remarks, the President said that Indonesian people have a cultural value towards water, one of which is the Subak irrigation system in Bali which has been practiced since the 11th century, and is recognized as a world cultural heritage. Apart from that, for the Balinese people, water is a glory that contains spiritual and cultural values that must be managed together.
“This is in line with our theme this year, namely water for shared prosperity which can be interpreted into three basic principles, namely avoiding competition, prioritizing equality and inclusive cooperation and supporting peace and shared prosperity. “Where all three can only be realized with one keyword, namely collaboration,” explained Jokowi.
The Head of State also said that water is the source of life.
“Water is also a symbol of balance and harmony. “However, if it is not managed properly, water can also be a source of disaster,” he explained.
Meanwhile, technology entrepreneur from the US, Elon Musk, who was also present at the event, also appreciated the implementation of the 10th WWF. According to him, the high-level meeting on water is believed to be able to provide certainty in resolving world water problems.
“The potential for using alternative energy to support efforts to preserve the environment and maintain water security, one of which is solar panels,” said Elon Musk.
On the same occasion, the President of the World Water Council (WWC), Loic Fauchon, who also gave a speech, stated that the 10th WWF in Bali was a momentum to increase cooperation in water management globally.
“All relevant parties must encourage global water sustainability and support water sovereignty through changes in all aspects,” said Loïc Fauchon in his speech.
According to him, real action is needed to provide access to clean water to everyone. He also emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation which is essential to maintain policies to strengthen global water security.