Indonesia has been selected as the host country for the 10th World Water Forum, which will take place in Bali from May 18 to 25, 2024. This forum brings together stakeholders to collaborate on creating tangible solutions to water challenges.

The 10th World Water Forum, themed "Water for Shared Prosperity," aims to achieve the common goal of water for collective well-being through understanding and addressing global water issues.

Acting Deputy IV of the Indonesian Presidential Staff Office, Wandy Tuturoong, stated that the success of the 10th World Water Forum is not solely determined by the pinnacle of this international event. From a communication standpoint, water issues at the forum must also become public discussion topics.

"We are facing the challenges in communicating how issues at the World Water Forum can take center stage in public discourse. This forum should not only be an event but also a subject of conversation among the public," said Wandy Tuturoong during the Coordination Meeting for the 10th World Water Forum.

He further emphasized that the public space, which is a contestation of issues, poses a challenge for hosting the 10th World Water Forum, especially after the Indonesia's recent Presidential Election. Public discussions about this forum are crucial to accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The 10th World Water Forum in Public Discussion 

Meanwhile, Senior Expert from the Indonesian Presidential Staff Office, Widiarsi Agustina, outlined the communication strategies to ensure the success of the 10th World Water Forum. In this regard, communication efforts should aim to capture public attention and make water issues the main topic of discussion.

"This 22 March marks World Water Day. We will leverage this momentum as a starting point to amplify the 10th World Water Forum. Then, in April, Earth Day and Disaster Preparedness Day can also promote preparations for the 10th World Water Forum," said Widiarsi Agustina.

Widiarsi Agustina emphasized the importance of water and peace issues as topics for public discourse. For the upcoming 10th World Water Forum, she believed that it would be essential to continue highlighting local wisdoms that align with peace and sustainability.

The selection of Bali as the location for the 10th World Water Forum is not without reason; the Indonesian government aims to highlight the local wisdom of the Balinese people, which upholds harmony between humans and nature. This value is manifested in the Subak irrigation system.

The 10th World Water Forum serves as a momentum to enhance global cooperation for water management. Water issues are crucial because water is a natural resource that cannot be produced by humans.