Media Release
1 June 2023
Minister for National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Suharso Monoarfa, and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Ms Penny Williams PSM, this week exchanged a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on water resources planning cooperation.
The five-year agreement, signed on 17 April 2023 by Minister Monoarfa and Australian Minister for the Environment and Water the Honourable Tanya Plibersek MP, supports the exchange of information and expertise between Australia and Indonesia on sustainable water resources management, water related climate adaptation and mitigation, and effective water supply and sanitation practices.
“Effective water infrastructure underpins the livelihoods of our communities, industries, and the environment. This agreement demonstrates the strength of cooperation between Indonesia and Australia on the important topic of water resources management,” said Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams.
The renewed commitment builds on the strong work and collaboration of the previous MoU, which helped to deliver a range of joint activities. This included successful joint training on flood risk management and workshops on water resource governance and lakes management, that brought together experts from both countries to share ideas on how to best manage water quality and scarcity issues.
Minister Monoarfa extended his appreciation on collaboration activities under the previous MoU in flood management, water regulations, irrigation modernisation, and lake management.
“We collaborated on some activities that will lead both countries to have efficient, effective, accountable, transparent, and people-oriented water resources and agriculture management,” he said.
Minister Monoarfa also acknowledged that water security, and its connection with food and energy security, is part of the Vision of Indonesia 2045 national long-term development plan.
Senior Officials from Australia and Indonesia will meet later in 2023 to progress new projects under the renewed agreement.
Media Enquiries: [email protected]
Photos: click here