This concern is underscored by the 2024 National Water Quality Index, which currently stands at 54.78, still falling short of the national target of 55.5.
"The main challenge in ensuring access to clean water for all Indonesian people involves environmental, social, technical, and governance issues that have not been well integrated," he explained during an online discussion on Monday (June 16).
Nurofiq noted that pressure on water resources has hindered progress toward food and energy security, reduced health and environmental quality, limited access to clean water, and increased hydrometeorological disasters.
This pressure mainly occurs in densely populated areas that are centers of economic activity, such as Java.
He also drew attention to an imbalance in water quality, noting that Java Island's water utilization index is 0.27 and its annual water needs for food exceed 30 thousand million cubic meters per year, whereas Papua's index is 1.89, which indicates greater water availability but less than optimal utilization.
Nurofiq further noted that major rivers, such as Citarum, Berantas, Musi, and Batang Hari, have experienced a decline in quality in the last three years.
Ministry data shows that about 60 percent of Indonesia's rivers are polluted due to domestic, industrial, and plastic waste in water bodies.
This situation is further exacerbated by the threat of climate change.
"Although Indonesia does not have glaciers, we must remain vigilant about the impact of climate change taking place across the world, which can also threaten the water resources that we have in Indonesia," he cautioned.
Hence, he called on all parties to participate in protecting Indonesia's water resources.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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