VP Ma’ruf Amin: Clean Water, Sanitation Management Key to Health Quality
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin attended the 2nd AIWW, in Labuan Bajo, NTT, Monday (03/14). (Photo by: BPMI of Vice Presidential Office)
Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a key factor in determining the quality of individual’s health, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has said.
The Vice President made the statement at the 2nd Asia International Water Week (AIWW) in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara province, Monday (03/14).
According to Ma’ruf, although 71 percent of the earth is covered by water, only about 13 percent of fresh water can be used to meet the water needs of more than 7 billion people, making water crisis one of the emerging issues that requires attention at the international level/
“The complexity of water resources management requires a host of approaches and policies that involve multi-sector and agencies, allocation of national funds, and collective decision-making. This requires policies that are globally accepted and reasonable, contain social and environmental considerations, and embrace stakeholders. This is the key to national policies on water resources that contribute to international policies,” he said.
From the national side, the Vice President added, the water crisis, especially clean water, is highly correlated in handling three problems that are currently being the focus of the Government’s programs, namely eradicating extreme poverty, building superior human development resources, and reducing stunting rates.
For this reason, Ma’ruf underscored that Indonesia continues to implement various programs in the context of sustainable water use.
“We continue to develop the potential of water as a power plant and floating diesel to create clean energy for the environment. In addition, we are encouraging sustainable clean water management through integrated water resource management,” he said.
The Vice President expressed hope that the results obtained from this forum could provide solutions to water problems, not only at the national level, but also at the international level.
“I hope that the Asia International Water Week can create a breakthrough to produce a solution to the water problem in our region. Do carry out the conference productively while enjoying the beautiful charm of Labuan Bajo,” he remarked. (Vice Presidential Office/UN) (EST/EP)
