JAKARTA (Xinhua): The Indonesian government has pledged to strengthen the development of water infrastructure, including irrigation systems and pipeline networks, to achieve food security and self-sufficiency while supporting sustainability amid the global climate crisis.
"If we are serious about sustainability, we must begin where every society begins -- with food, water, and energy.
"Without them, no nation can build a just or lasting future," said Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono at the 2025 Indonesia International Sustainability Forum in Jakarta on Friday.
He noted that before advancing green transition, digital transformation, smart mobility, or industrial decarbonisation, it was essential to ensure that every household had sufficient food, every community had access to clean water, and every region had a reliable energy supply.
He emphasized that Indonesia, home to more than 280 million people, needs productive land, modern irrigation, and resilient distribution systems. To this end, the government is expanding food estates in several regions, with water resources playing a central role.
"Much of Indonesia's water infrastructure already exists. We are aligning our national water policy to accelerate investment in pipeline networks, reduce excessive groundwater extraction, and expand access to clean water across the country. Our benchmark is clear," he said.
On the same occasion, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo said Indonesia would focus on developing infrastructure that supports self-sufficiency in food, water, and energy starting in 2026.
"In 2026, because the strongest resilience is rooted in society, we plan to develop 12,000 irrigation sites, 650 socio-economic projects, and 80 waste management facilities, among others," Hanggodo said.
He added that his ministry has received a budget ceiling of 118.5 trillion rupiahs (US$7.14 billion), of which 34.74 trillion rupiahs (US$2.09 billion) will be allocated for water resources.
Hanggodo also said that the government is open to partnerships with the private sector, as public funding alone will not be sufficient to meet development needs. - Xinhua
