Madrid, Spain, ABIM (30/6/2023) – Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono attended the 21st Meeting of The High-level Experts and Leaders Panel (HELP) on Water and Disasters in Spain, Monday (6/26). What is special about the 21st HELP meeting is the involvement of the Club de Madrid led by Danillo Turk who was previously the President of Slovenia.

During the meeting, Minister Basuki invited HELP and Club members from Madrid to support Indonesia with the foundation of the 10th World Water Forum meeting in Bali Indonesia in 2024 with the Spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung.

“The energy of the Asian-African Conference in Bandung in 1955 is the deliberation and consensus of the country’s leaders to push water issues to the forefront of every country’s policy.” “I remind you once more that water is political,” Minister Basuki stated.
Minister Basuki said the meeting succeeded in producing an agreement that promoted peace and shared prosperity amid the political tensions that arose in that period.

According to Minister Basuki, the Indonesian government feels that the spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung is still highly suited for embracing varied political objectives. Minister Basuki also invited the Club The Madrid, a group of former world leaders, to the 10th World Water Forum in Bali in 2024.

To highlight the significance of lake conservation and sustainable use, Minister Basuki also suggested creating World Lake Day during the discussion. Lakes, according to Minister Basuki, are directly tied to water issues and disasters, therefore working with HELP will be crucial and advantageous for both parties.

Endra S. Atmawidjaja, the expert staff of the minister for technology, industry, and the environment, Minister Basuki, BNPB Deputy System and Strategy Raditya Jati, Main Engineer of the Ministry of PUPR Arie Setiadi Moerwanto, and Widyaiswara Utama Widiarto are all in attendance and accompanying the minister. (ABIM)