"The process (of the adoption) was complicated and lengthy," said Tri Tharyat, director general of multilateral cooperation at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum in Badung district, Bali, on Tuesday.
He disclosed that some proposals offered by some countries were not approved straight away by others during the lengthy process.
"We listened, we offered solutions to bridge differing opinions, and we eventually managed to adopt the ministerial declaration," he said.
What attracted the attention of most of the participating countries was a compendium that includes 113 projects in the water and sanitation sector with a total value of US$9.4 billion, he informed.
Some countries expressed concern that the compendium, which is a part of the declaration, would overshadow ongoing water projects, especially those managed by international organizations.
"We clarified that this (compendium) offers more as it also involves various countries and philanthropic institutions in addition to international organizations. It will benefit not only Indonesia but also other countries," he said.
Meanwhile, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono highlighted that the declaration covers issues related to the rights to safe access to drinking water and sanitation.
Hadimuljono, who co-chaired the ministerial meeting for the adoption of the declaration, added that the declaration also emphasizes the importance of forging inclusive coordination and collaboration and strengthening integrated water resource management policies.
Indonesia's proposals for the establishment of a Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Security, the designation of World Lakes Day through a UN resolution, and the mainstreaming of water management issues for developing countries on small islands were also adopted through the declaration.
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Translator: Dewa K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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