The implementation of the World Water Forum (WWF) or world-class water forum in Nusa Dua, Bali presents a very memorable and sustainable tourism experience for anyone who attends directly, including delegates from friendly countries. Not only that, this international event has also been able to increase economic turnover and empower the local economy, including MSMEs.
President Joko Widodo officially opened the 10th WWF event on Monday (20/5) which was held directly in the Nusa Dua area, Badung Regency, Bali. On this occasion, President Joko Widodo invited heads of state and WWF-10 delegates to jointly formulate various concrete actions around inclusive global water management.
President Jokowi described that only 1 percent of water can be accessed and used for drinking and sanitation purposes, out of around 72 percent of the earth’s surface that is covered by water. The Head of State also mentioned that around 500 million small farmers are also vulnerable to drought. Even though this group contributes 80 percent of the world’s food. Therefore, President Jokowi hopes that WWF will really be used as the right momentum to formulate various concrete steps to overcome water problems.
The implementation of the 10th WWF is not just a matter for the elite, but of course it is directly related to society, considering that water is a basic need for all humans. Apart from that, the implementation of the 10th WWF is also considered to have been able to stimulate tourism and the community’s economy, including business, micro, small and medium businesses.
Regarding this, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), Sandiaga Uno, said that the implementation of the 10th WWF had boosted the economy to reach IDR 1.7 trillion. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is optimistic that this figure can be achieved during the 10th WWF event or from 18-25 May 2024.
According to Sandiaga, this figure was achieved by multiplying the total number of participants at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, which is estimated to reach up to 50 thousand people, with the average expenditure on shopping, including MSME products, reaching around IDR 34 million.
Not only the economy, the 10th WWF has also proven capable of empowering local MSMEs in Bali. The reason is, the Government involved as many as 500 MSME players who displayed their products, spread across three locations during the implementation of the 10th World Water Forum. These three locations include the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), exhibitions are also held in other locations, namely in Kuta and Bali Collection Nusa Dua.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, added that the Indonesian Government carried out the Melukat tradition for the WWF delegates because it contains events about water, as in the Hindu religious ritual which has the meaning of cleansing in a physical and physical manner. spiritual), both in soul and mind.
The cleansing of humans as the smallest of nature and the address of the universe, all uses water. Apart from that, this tradition also makes spring sources more sustainable by using spring water as part of rituals, indicating that people are able to maintain a good relationship with the universe.
Through the Melukat tradition, social interaction also occurs with ritual practitioners who come from various regions. Furthermore, in this procession there is absolutely no commercialization, but in general WWF itself has an impact on the welfare of society. The Melukat procession can be used as a tourist package, thus having a very positive impact on the economy of the surrounding community.
The entire implementation of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali is closely linked to various Indonesian cultural values, especially Bali, so that it is able to provide a huge multiplier effect for the tourism industry and creative economy, even from upstream to downstream which continues to encourage the opening up of business opportunities and new quality jobs.
This world-class water forum event also involves local youth, as is the strong commitment of the Bali Provincial Regional Secretary (Sekdaprov), Dewa Made Indra, who said that important events in an area should not be separated from the community itself.
This means that in the implementation of the 19th WWF on the Island of the Gods, it is clear that the local community will get their own portion to bring benefits as well. The youth continue to be involved to create a conducive situation, so that it does not disturb and tarnish the image of Bali.
They all continue to be involved in side events when WWF delegates visit Bali. Young people can also take part in discussion forums about water for shared prosperity.
Meanwhile, for the MSMEs themselves, they are also very involved in several sectors such as transportation, hotels and restaurants to serve dishes for the World Water Forum delegates and are able to use local products. The World Water Forum (WWF) event or the 10th world water forum in Bali is able to present a tourism experience that is very memorable and completely unforgettable and has a sustainable concept because it highly upholds local wisdom and the philosophy of meaning to protect the environment and nature. Therefore, support from all elements of society is needed to support the success of this event until it is finished.