Minister Marsudi accompanied President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to receive the special envoy, Toshihiro Nikai, sent by Japanese Prime Minister Toshihiro Nikai, along with his delegation, at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Friday.
Environmental cooperation was among the topics discussed during a bilateral meeting, including the exploration of the conservation of Citarum River, which still needs a separate formulation.
"The deputy of the Japanese environment minister will visit Citarum River for a preliminary assessment of conservation cooperation," Marsudi noted.
President Jokowi has ordered an immediate revitalization of the longest and largest river in West Java, considering its vital role in upholding the livelihood of the people.
Citarum River is the source of drinking water for 27.5 million people living in West Java and Jakarta and the source of irrigation for 420 thousand hectares of rice fields.
Three hydropower plants---Saguling, Cirata, and Jatiluhur---which can produce 1,400MW of electricity, also get their energy source from the Citarum streams.
Maritime Affairs Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has expressed his commitment to restoring Citarum River after it was heavily polluted by waste from domestic and textile industries.
The minister has sought to clean the river so that within the next five to 10 years, starting from this year, people will be able to use water directly from the river.
He also wanted to ensure that all factories install waste-processing units, and the people living near the river build a bathing/washing/toilet complex.
Reported by Hanni Sofia Soepardi
(Y013/INE)
EDITED BY INE
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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