Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Opening of the High-Level Panel of the 10th World Water Forum at Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Badung Regency, Bali Province, May 20, 2024
Your Excellencies, state leaders, international organization leaders, President of the World Water Council, Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, and distinguished delegates,
Water plays a central role in human life. The World Bank estimated that water shortages may slow down economic growth by 6 percent until 2050. Water scarcity can also trigger wars and become a source of disaster. Too much water and too little water—both can be the world’s problems.
In the last 10 years, Indonesia has strengthened its water infrastructure by constructing 42 dams, 1.18 million hectares of irrigation networks, as well as 2,156 km of flood control and coast guard, and rehabilitating 4.3 million hectares of irrigation networks. We also used water to build a floating solar power plant on Cirata Dam, the largest floating solar power plant in Southeast Asia.
Excellencies,
The 10th World Water Forum is highly strategic to revitalize concrete actions and shared commitment to realizing integrated water resources management. Indonesia consistently advocates three issues. First, reinforcing solidarity and inclusivity principles to achieve a joint solution, especially for small island states facing water scarcity. Second, empowering hydro-diplomacy for concrete and innovative cooperation, avoiding competition in cross-border water resources management. Third, strengthening political leadership as the key to success in various cooperation for sustainable water resilience.
Through this forum, Indonesia promotes four new initiatives, namely the designation of World Lake Day, the establishment of a Center of Excellence in the Asia-Pacific region, sustainable water governance in small island states, and water project funding.
Excellencies,
Water is not only a natural product but also a collaboration product that unites us, so we need a joint effort to preserve it.
I hereby declare the High-Level Panel of the 10th World Water Forum open.
(DH/MUR)