It is hoped that through the World Water Forum, further agreement can be reached regarding the Global Water FundBadung (ANTARA) - Special staff to the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing for water resources, Firdaus Ali, has said that several countries have shown interest in establishing a Global Water Fund at the World Water Forum.
"Many (countries) have expressed their desire for the Global Water Fund," he said at a press conference in Badung, Bali, on Monday.
He revealed that a number of countries could potentially support the establishment of the fund, namely China, South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States. These countries, he noted, are countries with strong fiscal capabilities.
"Our neighboring countries are also looking at (the Global Water Fund). Singapore sees that investment in Indonesia's water sector is also the sexiest compared to other countries," he said.
Other countries in the region that have shown interest in the fund's establishment are Thailand and Malaysia .
According to Firdaus, what has sparked interest from those countries is the initiative and political commitment of the country's leaders.
"An initiative without political commitment will be nothing," he said.
At the World Water Forum, other countries can see Indonesia's serious commitment to overcoming water issues, he added.
"The President stepped in, the Coordinating Minister stepped in, everyone stepped in. So, they (other countries) see a very strong commitment from Indonesia," he continued.
It is hoped that through the World Water Forum, further agreement can be reached regarding the Global Water Fund, he added. He said he believes that this step can be a solution to overcoming fiscal obstacles related to water projects.
"That's why we have several high-level panels that will discuss it (the Global Water Fund)," he added.
The Indonesian government is encouraging the establishment of a Global Water Fund at the 10th World Water Forum to respond to budget imbalances and accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, namely ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.
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Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Arie Novarina
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