Jakarta – The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH), through the Directorate General of Water Resources, has officially launched a community called Indonesia Water Warriors to put into action the goals of the 10th World Water Forum, which was successfully held in Bali from May 18-25, 2024. 

The Minister of MPWH, Basuki Hadimuljono, expressed his appreciation for the presence of the Indonesia Water Warriors, which was initiated by the young generation who are committed to water conservation and sustainable water management. According to him, this community can be a transformative movement between the government and society to strive for a water-resilient and water-secure future through collaboration, education, advocacy, and research.

“There are currently more than 1,100 communities in Indonesia working to conserve rivers, and many observers and researchers are active in the field of water resources. However, I hope that the Water Warriors can take on a bigger role. Let us turn this spirit into a movement. I am sure that with the cooperation between the government and the community, we can achieve more," said Minister Basuki at the "Water Warriors Assemble: Indonesian Wave after the 10th World Water Forum" at the MPWH Auditorium on Saturday (21/9/2024).

“We can definitely achieve change in the field of water resources through fighting spirit, competence and consistency," he added.

Through the Directorate General of Water Resources, the MPWH will also allocate a budget for Indonesia Water Warriors activities aimed at empowering communities in all provinces of Indonesia to conserve and manage water sustainably.

"I hope that this movement will not just be a symbolic act of river cleaning, because the rivers and water resources in Indonesia really do always need to be cared for and cleaned up. Therefore, the MPWH will provide a dedicated budget to support Water Warriors activities carried out by rivers and water communities.” said Minister Basuki.

Director General of Water Resources, Bob Arthur Lombogia, explained that the launch of Indonesia Water Warriors was motivated by the signing of a Letter of Intent between the MPWH and the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the establishment of the Indonesian Wave for Cooperation in Water Youth Program. The program was established to address the global challenges related to water and climate.

"In cooperation with the Youth Committee of the 10th World Water Forum, this program has created a community of young people from the water sector, the Water Warriors. In the future, there will be Water Warriors representatives in all provinces, composed of local organizations, non-governmental organizations, local leaders and even the young generation of the MPWH," said Director General Bob.

Commissioner for Water Affairs of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Ivo Van Der Linden, praised the MPWH for its commitment to continue addressing the various water resource issues. The active role of the younger generation in the management of water resources is considered very important.

"I am also pleased to see the participation of students in this activity, because they are the ones who will be responsible for water management in the future. I congratulate the establishment of Indonesia Water Warriors. I hope this community can be a platform for the young generation to discuss and develop solutions and create Water Warriors for a better future," he said.

Secretary General Mohammad Zainal Fatah, Director General of Water Resources Bob Arthur Lombogia and Special Advisor on Technology, Industry and Environment Endra S. Atmawidjaja were also present at the event.