JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In closing the World Water Day 2017 "Water and Wastewater," the Directorate General of Water Resources of The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) of Indonesia held a National Dialogue entitled "Community-Based Wastewater Management." Associated with other parties, such as Directorate General Pollution Control and Degradation Environment, Directorate General of Human Settlements (Cipta Karya), Ministry of Health, and Ministry of National Development Planning, the dialogue intends to formulate substantial solutions to overcome the water problems in Indonesia.
According to the report from Directorate General Pollution Control and Degradation Environment, around 68% of rivers in Indonesia are heavily polluted and most of them come from domestic and household waste. Therefore, this event aims to socialize the importance of improving human life through good water management.
Good water management is based on adequate supplies of water resources. It is a commitment from the Directorate General of Water Resources to continuously succeed in the formulating the national water resource strategy. In 2016, the Directorate General of Water Resources has completed the construction of raw water facilities and infrastructure of about 6.15 m3/sec, developing 53,000 hectares for irrigation system, and newly constructed 387 water reservoirs. The challenge is to use all the water sources and availability in a way that is suggested.
"The nature provides clean water for human being, in sufficient quantity. Human activities, causing contamination and wastewater, lead to a severe water shortage. So, to protect our water and keep it clean, all must start from individual awareness," said Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, opening the main event of the World Water Day held from 26-28 April 2017.
Lolly Martina Martief, Secretary of the Directorate General of Water Resources, as Chairman of the World Water Day 2017, added this event also aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, especially in improving water quality. "That means, this program will ensure the availability and management of clean water, for a sustainable development in the future."
The Directorate General of Water Resources plays an active role in development and rehabilitation of raw water, to integrate people's daily needs, from agriculture to irrigation. Moreover, the Ministry of PUPR, through the Central River Division and River Region at the Directorate General of Water Resources, initiated some activities focusing on the community, such as cleaning up the river, early childhood education in clean water management, cleaning a trench drain system, and establishing the movement of river community. The goal is to build the human habit of providing clean water resources.
The Director of Environmental Health Department from Ministry of Health, Imran Agus Nurali, added, the success of water treatment can be determined following a community's needs for clean water. "Maximize public awareness through the Community-Based Total Sanitation program, which includes stop defecating without using a toilet, using soap to wash hands, and managing drinking water, food, and wastewater properly."
The commitment of all stakeholders also plays an important role in maintaining clean water sustainability. "Stakeholders' attention, both central and local government, contributes to protecting raw water resources," said Dodi Kris Pratmadi, Director of Directorate General of Human Settlements (Cipta Karya). Therefore, this National Dialogue also presents a discussion with stakeholders from State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and regions, as well as Self-Help Groups. The World Water Day 2017's event is still ongoing today and will be closed with a leather puppet show.
About Directorate General of Water Resources
The Directorate General of Water Resources, under the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, has critical roles in formulating and implementing water resources management policies, provided in compliance with relevant legislation.
In order to perform their duties in accordance with the Directorate General of Water Resources, their functions are: policy formulation in the field of water resources conservation, utilization of water resources and to control water damage on surface water resources, and utilization of groundwater in accordance with the provisions of legislation; implementation of integrated water resource management in compliance with the provisions of legislation; preparation of the norms, standards, procedures, and criteria in the field of water resources management; provision of technical guidance and supervision related to water resources management; implementation of evaluation and reporting regarding to water resources management; implementation of the administration of the Directorate General of Water Resources; and implementation of other functions provided by the Minister.
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170428/1837697-1-a
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170428/1837697-1-b
