Ali made this statement as speaker in a panel discussion organized by Coca-Cola Indonesia at the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) here on Thursday.
"There is very little left for the water sector. Without the support of private entities, I am not sure we can solve this water problem," he stated.
Discussions involving the industry, government, and NGO representatives were oriented towards partnerships to combat the impacts of climate change, such as floods and drought, to ensure sustainable water management.
Through this partnership, Ali said that the PUPR Ministry is working towards combining resources and knowledge, with the aim of achieving a more optimistic future for Indonesia.
"By mobilizing collective expertise, we are poised to make significant progress in addressing water challenges," he remarked.
Such agenda highlights the role of innovation in addressing water challenges in Indonesia through the support of private entities in delivering innovative water projects to benefit local communities and ecosystems.
Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific Water and Climate Director Lynn Hong said they support water security through their presence in more than 200 countries and territories.
The company's strategy to ensure water security by 2030 focuses on accelerating action to improve water safety.
Since 2015, The Coca-Cola Company globally has returned more than 100 percent of the water used for beverage production to the nature and communities each year, Hong stated.
They also provide financial support for vulnerable communities experiencing water shortages in Indonesia, including providing safe drinking water and access to water for agriculture and livelihoods.
Executive Director of Obor Foundation Tani Pratomo remarked that the partnership built with private entities was realized for the lives of local farmers across Indonesia by protecting water for agriculture through the construction of embungs, or water reservoirs, as storage areas in the Java and Sulawesi regions.
"We have built six embungs and used durable and flexible materials that act as waterproof barriers, effectively reducing the water loss that often occurs due to seepage in the water reservoirs," he remarked.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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