Badung, 23 May 2024 – Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Menparekraf/Kabaprekraf) of the Republic of Indonesia Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in managing water resources to support quality and sustainable tourism.

Sandiaga revealed this when speaking at the 10th World Water Forum-High-Level Panel, "The Role of the Private Sector in Meeting Goals of SDG6", at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center on Wednesday, 22 May.

He also said that Indonesia is taking a leadership role in converting existing opportunities in order to realize sustainable tourism, especially in water resources management. It is in line with future tourism trends, which are more personalized, customized, localized, and smaller in size.

"All tourism and creative economy facilities must adopt principles for managing water wisely, managing water for the future," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga.

Even so, Sandiaga said the government cannot work alone. It requires support and collaboration from various parties, especially the private sector. Not only to invest but also to provide innovation and adaptation.

"Not only looking for profit, but collaborating to provide human rights, namely access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene," said Sandiaga.

The government will continue to advance it by formulating regulations to encourage more private sector involvement in water management, especially in the tourism sector, for example Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Bali, namely KEK Kura Kura and KEK Sanur. Apart from offering various conveniences for investment, these two SEZs also focus on investment that support the creation of sustainable development.

"This is something we take very seriously in sustainable water management practices so that we can protect our water resources and improve our destinations and make our tourism sector more attractive and resilient," said Sandiaga.

Innovation, adaptation, and collaboration are also essential for the business world in supporting sustainable water resource management practices.

"Investment in the water sector is indeed long-term and this is what I call part of adaptation. The business world must not seek profits only in the short term but look at the long term. Secondly, this is a risky business. Therefore, we must innovate to reduce the risks and stabilize our income," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga.