Collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial in addressing the complex water challenges, particularly in urban areas. One way to achieve this collaboration is through investments in the water infrastructure.
The Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club (JFCC) Panel Discussion titled "Policy, Technology, and Investment Opportunity in Water Resources Management," held in Jakarta (4/7/2023), brings together stakeholders to discuss the issues. A total of 43 local media representatives and 12 members of JFCC attended this panel discussion.
The panelists in the discussion included the Special Advisor to the Minister of Public Works and Housing on Water Resources Management, Firdaus Ali; Director General of Information and Public Communication of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Usman Kansong; the Director of Asia Pacific and 10th World Water Forum, YoonJin Kim; the Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), Shinta Kamdani; the Director of Perum Jasa Tirta II, Imam Santoso; and the Director of Government Affairs at Danone Indonesia, Rachmat Hidayat.
Special Advisor to the Minister of Public Works and Housing of the Republic of Indonesia on Technology, Industry & the Environment Endra Saleh Atmawidjaja stated in his welcoming speech that the water issue in urban areas is increasingly concerning. To tackle this problem, political actions are necessary since "Water is politics".
Therefore, the JFCC Panel Discussion provides an opportunity to address water financing issues and promote Indonesia's vision as the 10th World Water Forum host.
Public Policy to Attract Investments
Meanwhile, the private sector, such as APINDO, Perum Jasa Tirta II, and Danone Indonesia, agrees that the involvement of multiple parties is needed to address water issues. Furthermore, the Government of Indonesia is responsible for creating a supportive policy framework promoting sustainable water sector investment.
"In the context of public and private sector partnerships and to attract investment, we need regulatory policies and incentives mechanisms," said the Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), Shinta Kamdani.
Shinta also mentioned that the private sector is vital from upstream to downstream. However, partnerships between the public and the private sector face several challenges.
The first challenge is to build trust between parties. Second, to establish a win-win partnership model that benefits all parties. Third, to create a sustainable and long-term partnership. Therefore, it takes an understanding of each party's needs and responsibilities.
The Important Role of the World Water Forum
Considering the importance of discussing water infrastructure financing issues, collaboration among stakeholders is essential. It needs to involve not only the government and the private sector but also the media in reporting water-related issues to the public.
YoonJin Kim, the Director of the Asia-Pacific Region of the 10th World Water Forum, emphasized that it is currently crucial for countries worldwide to enhance innovation and the development of water resources through political conditions that can optimize global water problem-solving.
Therefore, the World Water Council encourages all countries to work together to form a better understanding of global water issues. YoonJin stated that the World Water Forum could be a step towards practical solutions for every sector and region through data and technology.
The upcoming 10th World Water Forum significantly addresses water infrastructure funding challenges and promotes international collaboration. This forum will serve as a strategic platform to identify and overcome barriers in water sector financing.