Bali (ANTARA) - The Indonesia Water Fund remains effective in addressing the gap in water infrastructure and sanitation financing, director general of infrastructure financing at the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Herry Trisaputra Zuna, said.
"Several projects have been initiated by the Indonesia Water Fund, but if we look at the opportunities in the future, there are still many more," he highlighted during a special interview with ANTARA on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali on Tuesday.
According to Zuna, the current financing gap for water infrastructure in Indonesia is still large. Therefore, a financing platform such as the Indonesia Water Fund is necessary.
So far, several companies, including PT Danareksa (Persero), have allocated funds for the Indonesia Water Fund.
Based on a UN report, the world only has seven years to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to water management.
Water pollution and climate change are posing a challenge in the effort to achieve the SDGs. Currently, 4 million people are living in areas suffering from a water crisis. One in 4 cities is facing water insecurity.
According to Zuna, the lack of clean water has been a concern of the Indonesian government for a long time.
Under the 2020–2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), the government is targeting to ensure access to piped drinking water to 30 percent of households by 2024, safe drinking water to 15 percent, and adequate drinking water to 100 percent of households.
"I think the numbers are still relevant, they can still be used as a reference. I said that it is collaborative in nature, requires commitment, and forums like the World Water Forum invite all parties to have a common goal," he explained.
The 10th World Water Forum, he said, could be an opportunity for Indonesia to showcase strategies to jointly overcome the problem with the global community.
The forum, themed "Water for Shared Prosperity," is being held in Bali from May 18–25, 2024. President Joko Widodo officially opened the WWF series on Monday (May 20).
A total of 244 water-related discussion sessions at the 10th WWF are expected to provide concrete outcomes regarding global water management.
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At the ministerial meeting on Monday, a series of statements were delivered by participating countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Saudi Arabia, China, Finland, and Brunei Darussalam.
In addition, representatives from international organizations, namely UNESCO, UNDRR, and UNDP, presented their views on water issues.
