By. Arthur Tumurang )*
Indonesia hosted the World Water Forum which took place in Bali. Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening world water security is very important in this forum. In 2030, the world will be faced with major challenges that have the potential to cause conflict. Currently, there are a number of countries experiencing clean water scarcity. Therefore, the issue of water security is very important, and we can see that in the 2030 agenda, water security, especially clean water, in communities around the world is certainly very serious and has the potential to cause conflict.
Indonesia is committed to continuing to oversee various international forums that specifically strengthen the issue of water security which has a direct impact on the real lives of the world community. Most importantly, water can maintain peace and harmony. Moreover, Indonesia is one of the largest countries in the world with diversity and is able to become a mouthpiece for world harmony. For example, differences in ethnicity, religion, culture and customs can become one within the framework of diversity.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has also committed to accelerating access to safely managed water, managed sanitation and hygiene services by strengthening political will, expanding partnerships and increasing investment, including innovative financing. On the other hand, UNICEF welcomes the commitment of the Government of Indonesia and praises the broad consultative approach that led to this commitment. It is impressive that it also reflects the perspective of young people in Indonesia, who can offer viable solutions to the world’s water and sanitation challenges.
The Pamsimas program is a concrete example of the government’s efforts to overcome water sanitation problems by involving elements of community empowerment in the procurement, management and maintenance of clean water collectively with the full support of the central government in infrastructure development and funding. Indonesia introduced Pasimas or the Community-Based Drinking Water and Sanitation Provision Program at the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) which was held in Nusa Dua, Bali.
Daily Chair of the 10th WWF National Organizing Committee and Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono explained that Pamsimas has been implemented by the Indonesian government since 15 years ago, which is specifically aimed at areas that do not have water. The Pamsimas program is a concrete manifestation of collaboration between the central and regional governments which is implemented in remote villages. Indonesia shows its commitment to encouraging the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Water problems are indeed a very crucial global issue because they involve the sustainability of the existence of the environment and human life. UNICEF confirms its commitment to support the Government and all stakeholders in realizing this commitment together. Water and sanitation are the foundation of all sustainable development – and key to helping children survive and thrive.
Please note that the growing challenge of ensuring sustainable water availability to support the welfare and economy of society, as well as environmental preservation in the world is increasingly urgent. Today’s water-related challenges are not just the problem of one stakeholder. Many countries suffer from reduced water availability, flooding, pollution and climate change. Access to clean water is the first line of defense. To overcome water-related challenges and build a more resilient and sustainable economy, it is necessary to work together with various stakeholders in the world.
It needs to be realized that involving and collaborating with all stakeholders to solve water problems in a sustainable manner in the world is very important and creating solutions that are holistic and integrated, taking into account the function of the ecosystem to support the social and economic needs of society must also be the main focus. Collaborative action between countries or stakeholders in the world must receive full support in order to strengthen world water security.
This is where Indonesia’s commitment can be an example for other countries, which should be aware of the importance of water for this world considering that there are challenges and threats that are “in front of our eyes” that await the international community.
Concrete action and strong commitment are important to realize harmony between nature and humans, water for now, and water for tomorrow. This is to answer and anticipate global conditions and as an effort to face the challenges of water availability in many countries in the world.
)* Public Policy and Environmental Observer
