The Directorate General of Water Resources of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH) held a coordination meeting on February 13, 2024, in anticipation of the 10th World Water Forum this year.
This meeting marks the initial step in Indonesia's preparation as the host alongside the World Water Council for the world's largest water forum, which will be held from May 18 to 25, 2024, on the Island of the Gods, Bali.
Among those present at the meeting were the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Chairman of the Association of All Indonesian Provincial Governments (APPSI), as well as representatives from 38 provincial, city, and district governments.
Various needs were discussed in this coordination meeting, including logistics, transportation, delegation accreditation, security, and publicity activities through the establishment of a large-capacity media center.
As part of the preparatory events, meeting participants also reviewed the facilities that will be used for the 10th World Water Forum, namely Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Bali Beach Convention, Puri Bhagawan, Taman Bhagawan, and the Pasifika Museum.
Indonesia's Preparations
Previously, the Indonesian government has undertaken several preparations to welcome the 10th World Water Forum:
- Forming a National Organizing Committee (NOC) under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment.
- Holding consultation meetings with various countries in February and October 2023.
- Preparing thematic topic coordinators and drafting work plans.
- Establishing agreements with international organizations regarding water issues.
- Preparing issues to propose in the forum, namely:
- Establishment of a water service fund for disaster mitigation due to climate change in island and archipelagic countries.
- Establishment of water and climate resilience centers.
- Proposal for World Lake Day.
Participation of Local Governments
The 10th World Water Forum is an important platform for Indonesia as the host country to advocate for water access together. Through strong multi-stakeholder collaboration, this forum is expected to achieve common goals to improve prosperity and sustainability.
This cross-border forum will address issues related to water security, sustainability, and innovation in water resource management. The success of hosting the 10th World Water Forum is expected to make a real contribution to achieving global goals related to water and sanitation.
The Acting Head of the Directorate General of Regional Development, Gunawan Eko Movianto, highlighted the benefits of the World Water Forum for local governments. According to him, this forum provides an opportunity to create harmonization of programs and activities related to water sector development in the regions.
Thus, the participation of local governments in the 10th World Water Forum will be a manifestation of better cooperation at the local and national levels in managing water resources and mitigating disasters such as floods and landslides.