The Indonesian government is set to present a number of strategic water-related projects worth US$9.6 billion or around IDR154 trillion at the upcoming 10th World Water Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali, from May 18th to 25th, 2024.
Mohammad Zainal Fatah, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH), stated that the list of these projects is currently being compiled and selected by the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN/Bappenas).
"This incorporates many proposals, with a value of US$9.6 billion in projects, whether they are ongoing projects or new projects for which funding has already been prepared," he said during a coordination meeting for the preparation of the 10th World Water Forum on Saturday, April 20th.
Invitation for Heads of State
At the same event, Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordination Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan mentioned that 193 countries will send delegations to attend the 10th World Water Forum.
"Specifically, Indonesia will hold a session for heads of state to enhance political commitment, emphasizing the importance of addressing water, food, and energy issues in the future as water becomes a serious global concern," said Minister Luhut.
It should be noted that Indonesia is co-hosting the 10th World Water Forum based on the decision of the World Water Council (WWC) Session in 2022 in Senegal. Indonesia has chosen the theme "Water for Shared Prosperity" for the forum.
Indonesia's Preparations
The 10th World Water Forum is an international meeting involving various stakeholders in the water resources sector, ranging from governments, parliaments, academicians, businesses, to civil society.
The Indonesian government has coordinated with relevant ministries/agencies to ensure the safety of participants during the 10th World Water Forum, including cybersecurity, and has prepared weather modification schemes during the forum.
Then related to event broadcasting, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has opened the Media Registration from April 16th to May 11th, 2024, for journalists and media covering the 10th World Water Forum. They will provide infrastructure support such as radio spectrum, 5G network, and fiber optics distribution.