The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) is collaborating with Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2024 to create a premier platform for global leaders, experts, practitioners and stakeholders from various sectors to share best practices in water and sanitation management. Not only that, the need for water has become an issue to support development, infrastructure, and the growth of agricultural areas and plantations.

Bobby Gafur Umar, Vice Chairman of Industry of Kadin Indonesia said that Indonesia is still faced with serious challenges related to access to clean water and proper sanitation, especially in rural areas and informal settlements in urban areas.

"With an increasing focus on food, energy and water self-sufficiency, improving household water and sanitation infrastructure is a major concern for both the government and the private sector so that the current policy direction makes water a clean energy and renewable energy by 2024," Bobby said, (7/5/2024).

According to him, strong synergy between the government and the business world is considered crucial to overcome this challenge.

CEO and Managing Director of MMI Asia Ltd, Michael Wilton also added that this collaboration is an important step to face water challenges in Indonesia.

"Supportive policy measures and a clear regulatory framework can open the door to greater investment in the development of water and sanitation infrastructure projects," said Michael.

Through the SIWW 2024 agenda, the latest innovations in urban water and climate-related technologies are expected. In addition, it is also expected to provide business and investment opportunities.

Michael Wilton said that the presence of Kadin Indonesia in supporting SIWW 2024 is an important step in facing water challenges in Indonesia.

"We believe that this cooperation will make a significant contribution in creating innovative solutions to improve universal access to clean water and sanitation in Indonesia," he said.

For information, looking at the latest data from the Ministry of PUPR in 2024, around 10% of the Indonesian population lacks access to clean water. Meanwhile, around 20% of the population does not have access to proper sanitation.