(This means that) Indonesia has become (a global) leader not only in politics (through the 2022 G20), but also in water resources issues.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The World Water Council has praised the Indonesian government for its efforts to construct dams on a massive scale to address water resource management problems as well as help realize food and energy security.

During a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Presidential Palace here on Wednesday, World Water Council president Loïc Fauchon praised Indonesia and described it as a leading country in dam construction.

"Earlier, when I spoke with President Jokowi, I said that Indonesia is a world champion in dam construction,” he remarked.

Dams are urgently needed to reserve water because the need for resources will increase amid growing demographics and increasing climate change, Fauchon added.

After accompanying President Widodo in receiving a delegation from the council, Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said that the council also strongly supports Indonesia as the host of the 2024 World Water Forum (WWF)

"They (the council) really support and appreciate Indonesia as the host (of the WWF). (This means that) Indonesia has become (a global) leader not only in politics (through the 2022 G20), but also in water resources issues," he added.

During the meeting, Widodo emphasized that water issues have become a global problem faced by many countries, since water is one of the main sources for realizing food security, he continued.

"Water can generate energy and (help cultivate) food. Thus, certainly, water is a fundamental (resource). That is why Indonesia has built 61 dams, and this attempt has been very much appreciated by the World Water Council," the PUPR minister noted.

Hence, food security will be one of the six main topics that will be discussed at the 2024 WWF, he informed.

Currently, the kick-off meeting for preparations for the WWF is being held from February 15 to 16, 2023, at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

Hadimuljono is targeting to attract one thousand participants to the meeting.

The 10th World Water Forum will be held from May 18–24, 2024, and will be themed “Water for Shared Prosperity.

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Translator: Indra P, Ade J, Uyu L
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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