"I will invite them so they can state their aspirations,"
Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono has invited parties involved in the People's Water Forum to a dialogue and share their aspirations following the dismissal of the forum by locals.

"I will invite them so they can state their aspirations," he said at a press conference after the closing of the 10th World Water Forum in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on Friday.

The People's Water Forum was held by water justice movements from around the world as a counter-event to the World Water Forum.

Hadimuljono said that everyone has the same right to voice their aspirations and thoughts peacefully and in an orderly manner, noting that Indonesia is not new to mass demonstrations.

"People are not prohibited from conducting activities as long as the activities do not pose disruptions," he emphasized.

The minister then said that he had coordinated with president of the World Water Council (WWC), Loic Fauchon, regarding the arrival of the participants of the People's Water Forum.

"I have consulted with him (Fauchon). We then decided to let them enter Indonesia," he revealed.

He said that the WWC president, however, advised the Indonesian government to monitor the participants to ensure that they do not commit any acts that might provoke local residents.

"Personally, I think they (the participants) only did normal things," he added.

Earlier, the Alliance of Balinese People stated its firm opposition to the holding of the People's Water Forum.

In a statement issued in Jakarta on Tuesday (May 21, 2024), the alliance said that the People's Water Forum is at odds with the Bali Governor's appeal and tends to accommodate foreign parties' interests.

"We would like to affirm that we will not let foreign agendas disrupt peace and harmony in Bali," Gus Yadi, a member of the alliance, said.

Related news: Indonesia hands over baton to next World Water Forum host S Arabia
Related news: Round Up - WWF agrees on river basin management, draws up priorities

Translator: Putu Indah, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2024