Written by: Hendra Gupta, GWSC.

 

The Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC) embarked on a productive mission to Jakarta, Indonesia, from November 26 to December 1, 2023. The mission aimed to engage with key stakeholders in the Indonesian sanitation sector, understand existing development efforts, and explore potential areas for collaboration.

The mission team, comprised of representatives of Asian Development Bank Institute, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DASRA, and Islamic Development Bank held fruitful discussions with a diverse range of stakeholders. These included:

  • Financial institutions: Representatives from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and World Bank provided insights into their ongoing sanitation projects and future investment plans in Indonesia.
  • Government agencies: The mission team met with officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s national sanitation policies and strategies.
  • UNICEF: Discussions with UNICEF representatives focused on their crucial role in promoting sanitation access and hygiene education of more than 20 years of contribution.
  • Mayors Association: The mission team met with Asosiasi Pemerintah Kota Seluruh Indonesia (APEKSI) to learn their engagement with cities and mayors on urban development issues.

Meeting with Director General of Water Pollution of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

 

Visited the Ministry of Public Works and Housing to discuss current and future funding supports for sanitation development.

 

Key outcomes of the mission:

  • Enhanced understanding of the Indonesian sanitation landscape: The mission team gained valuable insights into the current state of sanitation development in Indonesia, including existing challenges and opportunities. This knowledge will inform the teams’ future engagement with the country.
  • Strengthened collaboration with key stakeholders: The mission fostered closer relationships with financial institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, paving the way for future collaborative initiatives.
  • Joint preparation for World Water Forum 2024: Discussions with stakeholders confirmed a shared commitment to working together towards a Global Sanitation Village at the World Water Forum 2024, which will be held in Bali. The GWSC will actively contribute to this event, supporting Indonesia’s leadership in the global sanitation discourse.

The GWSC remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s journey towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all. The learnings and relationships cultivated during this mission will guide the GWSC’s future engagement in Indonesia, focusing on:

  • Technical assistance: Providing technical expertise to support the development and implementation of effective sanitation solutions.
  • Knowledge sharing: Facilitating knowledge exchange between Indonesian stakeholders and the global sanitation community.
  • Capacity building: Building the capacity of local institutions and communities to manage and maintain sanitation infrastructure.

The mission to Jakarta has laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration with Indonesia, contributing to a brighter future where everyone has access to safe sanitation services.

 

Meeting with ISDB representative in Indonesia to conclude the mission and action points.

 

A visit to APEKSI to learn their engagement with city mayors in Indonesia.

 

Mr. Kannan Nadar, UNICEF Head of Programme, presented their approaches in raising political will for water, sanitation, and hygiene.

 

The Young Guns discussed Global Sanitation Village plan at the World Water Forum 2024 with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

 

A visit to the World Bank office in Jakarta, captured oportunities and challenges in sanitation development project implementation.