Attending the World Economic Forum, Minister Suharso Emphasizes Indonesia’s Commitment to Facing the Water Crisis
Minister Suharso emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to facing the water crisis while attending the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Wednesday (17/01/2024).
According to him, this commitment has been outlined in the National Long Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045, through the foundation of transformation of social, cultural and ecological resilience.
In addition to policy strategies, the Minister said that Indonesia has increased water storage, conserved water resources, implemented a smart water management system, and implemented green-grey infrastructure for water-related disaster management in the last decade.
In connection with the above, the Minister said that a global water crisis in the future is not impossible.
“Our planet is warming at an alarming rate. The study projects a temperature rise of up to 3.5°C by the end of the century. “This statistic is not just a number, but a big sign that will have a big impact on agriculture, infrastructure, health and ecosystems as well as all sectors,” said the Minister.
“With a projected decline in rainfall of 1-4% between 2020 and 2034, we face droughts that reduce water availability and trigger conflicts over water allocation,” he added.
The Minister noted that Indonesia had experienced 3,544 natural disasters in 2022. According to him, 98% of these disasters were hydrometeorological in nature.
The minister added that these disasters have claimed as many as 3,183 lives and affected 18 million people over the past decade.
“Water issues are not only the responsibility of professionals and academics, but are also an important responsibility for leaders and policy makers,” he said..
As Indonesia’s effort to achieve a global commitment to water, the Minister also invited delegates who attended the World Economic Forum to attend the 10th World Water Forum. This event will be held in May 2024 in Bali.
“With a comprehensive process, we believe this forum will facilitate real results and collective action on water towards a sustainable future for our planet,” he concluded.
Source: Bappenas
