"What is clear is that once again there must be optimism but also a sense of urgency that must be built by all of us," Yudhoyono emphasized after attending the opening of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Monday.
"And Indonesia must be one of the leaders because this water is getting more and more valuable because the quantity is also limited," he pointed out.
According to the minister, although water covers 75 percent of the earth's surface, access to truly consumable, clean water and also for meeting sanitation needs is very limited.
Hence, he deemed it important to protect the existing water reserves together to prevent them from not being contaminated by pollution, adding that impact of the climate change crisis was extraordinary.
"Drought occurred here and there, and it is predicted that in the next 10-20 years, there will be drought that will influence agricultural production directly,” Agus stated.
He said that without water, food production would not be sufficient and there will be instability, as the increasing population will continue to look for food resources.
Agus stated that Indonesia was highly honored to host the 10th World Water Forum, an international forum attended by all stakeholders ranging from heads of state and government.
Global figures, such as Elon Musk, business actors, public, and academics, also joined in seeking joint solutions for the management and conservation of water resources.
The 10th World Water Forum is a global campaign for the world, with ''Water for Shared Prosperity'' as its theme.
That is the main theme that will be discussed on the first day and will also be deliberated specifically in the following days of the 10th World Water Forum.
“What is clear is that we share a commitment, the nations of the world from various backgrounds,” Agus stated.
The BPN head remarked that the various backgrounds, included highest level leaders, heads of state and government, ministers, both government and non-government institutions, business world, and academics.
He expressed hope that the 10th World Water Forum in Bali would produce joint solutions in protecting and managing resources for the short, medium, and long term.
"Therefore, we must look for solutions together. It is never too late. We must be fully aware of sharing stories and experiences regarding best practices among fellow nations in the world," Agus remarked.
He expressed hope that the next generations would not suffer the consequences of the actions that the current generations chose to not do today.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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