Jakarta - The world's largest international water forum, the 10th World Water Forum, will soon be held in Bali on May 18-25, 2024. Various preparations are being finalized, including on showcasing the beauty of the “Island of Gods” to the participants. The forum is more than simply discussing the theme of 'Water for Shared Prosperity'; for Indonesia, it also serves as evidence that the country is ready to make a significant contribution to the efforts in maintaining the sustainability of the world's water resources.

Vice Chair of the National Secretariat Committee for the 10th World Water Forum and Senior Advisor to the Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) for Technology, Industry, and Environment, Endra S. Atmawidjaja, stated that the World Water Forum is a golden opportunity for Indonesia to have a significant impact on water policy direction.

"Since the beginning, Indonesia has consistently pushed for water issues to be discussed at the highest level. Strong encouragement from policymakers is a must," said Endra in Jakarta on Tuesday (4/23/2024).

Furthermore, Endra explained that Indonesia is bringing three special missions to be agreed upon at the meetings in Bali. These three missions include the Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience, mainstream integrated water management in small islands, and the routine activities of World Lake Days.

"This is important to discuss because lakes are one of the primary sources, energy sources, and even serve as flood control," he said.

The 10th World Water Forum has three main processes: political, regional, and thematic processes, all of which will involve various stakeholders. These include heads of state, ministers, regional leaders, academics, researchers, and even youth who will participate in exchange of ideas. There are 230 thematic forum sessions, 55 side events, and 10 special sessions. Additionally, the Indonesian government has invited heads of state, heads of international organizations, and ministers or minister-level officials responsible for water resource issues.

The series of events for the 10th World Water Forum will begin with the Balinese Water Purification Ceremony, which is one of Bali's traditional rituals, utilizing the concept of Rahina Tumpek Uye and Upacara Segara Kerthi. On May 20, 2024, Opening Ceremony and High-Level Meeting will commence at BICC, Nusa Dua. This will be followed by interface meetings with relevant parties for political, thematic, and regional processes, as well as bilateral meetings with several heads of state.

On the same day, the Fair and Expo will be opened at Nusa Dua Hall BNDCC. Subsequently, the Fair and Expo will be held at BNDCC, BICC, and Kuta Beach. Political, thematic, and regional process sessions will be held from May 20 to 25, 2024. Meanwhile, the High-Level Meeting and Ministerial Meeting are specifically scheduled for May 20-21, 2024.

There will also be a Cultural Night (Farewell) agenda at Taman Bhagawan on May 24, 2024, where guests may enjoy local cuisine, traditional dances, and Indonesian culture. The closing ceremony will take place on May 25, 2024. After the World Water Forum activities conclude, participants will also be invited on a field trip, including to the Water Museum in Tabanan, the Jatiluwih UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Batur in Kintamani, and the Cultural Village in Ubud.