President outline Indonesia water infrastrukture achievement

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo spotlighted achievements of his administration in building and strengthening domestic water infrastructure to the state heads attending the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) High-Level Meeting (HLM) in Nusa Dua, Bali, Monday.

"In the last 10 years, Indonesia has strengthened its water infrastructure by building 42 dams; 1.18 million hectares of irrigation networks; and 2,156 kilometers of flood control and coastal protection; as well as rehabilitating 4.3 million hectares of irrigation networks," the president noted in his opening speech.

The head of state then emphasized the important role of water, which is also utilized for a floating solar power plant (PLTS) in the Cirata Reservoir, West Java, as the largest floating PLTS in Southeast Asia.

He conveyed that the role of water is very central to human life. The president also cited World Bank research estimating that water shortages could slow down economic growth by up to six percent by 2050.

"Water scarcity can also trigger war and can be a source of disaster. Too much water or too little water can both be a problem for the world," he remarked.

Hence, he affirmed that the 10th WWF is highly strategic to revitalize real action and joint commitment in realizing integrated water resources management.

The HLM at the 10th WWF was attended by world leaders, including Tajikistan Prime Minister (PM) Qohir Rasulzoda, President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof, and Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea John Rosso.

The meeting was also attended by President of the World Water Council (WWC), Loc Fauchon; United Nations (UN) General Assembly President Dennis Francis; former Hungarian president Janos Ader; French special envoy Barbara Pompili; and Dutch special envoy Meike van Ginneken.