New York - The Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH) attended the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) Side Event: Justice Begins Here - With Accountability, to share experiences regarding programs that have been carried out by the Government of Indonesia in dealing with water problems. This activity, which was also attended by CEO of SWA, Catarina de Alburqueque, was a Side Event of the UN 2023 Water Conference. It took place on Wednesday (22/03) in New York, the United States.

Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said that Indonesia's efforts to provide access to drinking water and sanitation for all face major challenges, starting from urbanization, climate change, water scarcity at certain times and regions, regional fiscal limitation, to the COVID-19 Pandemic which has lasted more than 3 years.

"The Government of Indonesia has aligned SDGs with the 2020-2024 National Medium Term Development plan (RPJMN) to achieve 100% access to drinking water and sanitation. The coverage of drinking water services has reached 91.05% and access to sanitation has increased by 80.92%," said Minister Basuki.

To achieve this target, the Government of Indonesia through MPWH has undertaken numerous efforts to accelerate it. For example, the development of drinking water supply infrastructure by utilizing 61 new dams to increase the capacity of water services. Then, construction of drinking water supply infrastructure to support National Priority Areas, such as Tourism Areas in Kalidendeng and Labuan Bajo as well as Industrial Area in Batang.

MPWH has been increasing human resource capacity in the field of Water Supply Management by developing a Special  Master Program in collaboration with partner universities. Then, integration of sanitation services by combining on-site and off-site systems, or inclusive sanitation for all areas to ensure of drinking water services is accessible to all people.

"MPWH through the Community-Based Water Provision (Pamsimas) and Community-Based Sanitation (Sanimas) Program from 2008 to 2022 has succeeded in supporting the provision of clean water and sanitation in 37 thousand villages spread across 408 regencies and cities," explained Minister Basuki.

In responding to digital transformation and improving the performance of clean water supply by local water companies (PDAMs), the Government of Indonesia has carried out technological innovations such as the application of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), as well as waste management technology through the conversion of waste into energy. Finally, to overcome limited funds, the MPWH also invites the participation of the private sectors in the development of the Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) through alternative funding such as Public Private Partnership.

Through the 2023 UN Water Conference, Minister Basuki also invited all delegates to attend the 10th World Water Forum which will be held in Bali, Indonesia in 2024.

"This conference is a milestone for us in raising awareness of the importance of water in life which will also be discussed further on the agenda of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia. The World Water Forum will involve various cross-country stakeholders to discuss, share knowledge and experiences, and generate concrete ideas and innovative throughs in responding to the latest issues and problems in water resources management," explained Basuki.

Minister Basuki also hoped that there will be collaboration and cooperation between countries in overcoming various global problems regarding drinking water and sanitation. "Through this forum, Indonesia can also share experiences, challenges and good practices, including the potential for cooperation in the utilization and management of water resource, so as to create liveable and inclusive livelihoods for Indonesians and the world," said Minister Basuki.

Jakarta, March 24th, 2023

National Organizing Committee of the 10th World Water Forum

Email: secretariat@worldwaterforum.org

 IG: @worldwaterforum10