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World water forum: Between global hope and challenges for Indonesia
The 10th WWF is a platform for Indonesia to lead hydro-diplomacy discussions, build alliances and mobilize support and investment for sustainable water resource management projects.
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Water crisis: A girl collects water from a shallow well in Cibuluh village in Lebak regency, Banten, on Sept. 12, 2020. (Antara/Asep Fathulrahman)
Indonesia should feel honored to have been appointed the host of the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) which will be held in Bali on May 18-25, but we should not rest on our laurels.
With a population exceeding 8 billion people, the world is currently facing intensifying hydro-meteorological crises. Floods, landslides and tornadoes are increasingly prominent challenges. Indonesia, with its vulnerability to natural disasters and food crises triggered by low water resilience, has a significant interest in finding solutions to the issues that will be discussed at the 10th WWF.
The question is, how serious and prepared is Indonesia to host this prestigious forum? First, is the factor of time, Indonesia has been given a shorter preparation time compared with previous forums, approximately two years. However, based on its successful experience in hosting the Group of 20 Summit (2022) and ASEAN Summit (2023), optimism about Indonesia's readiness should not be questioned.
We have proven our ability to organize international events well and especially since it will be held in Bali where the people have a noble tradition of honoring water through the Danu Kerthi ceremony.
Second, infrastructure and logistics. Bali as the hosting location has proven to be a world-class destination capable of supporting international activities. Bali also has the advantage as the symbol of harmony among humans, nature and water, which aligns with one of the WWF sub-themes.
The island has long embraced the tradition of togetherness and harmony in preserving and utilizing water for irrigation known as the subak system. The local wisdom of the subak system has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage asset.
Third, leadership and coordination. The Indonesian government must demonstrate a high level of commitment, involving all stakeholders, from central and regional governments, to the private sector and civil society, to synergize in the preparation and implementation of the WWF.
