Concept Note

International Webinar
“River Pollution in Indonesia: How to Improve Water Quality?”

I. Background

Water quality is one of the main challenges that societies will face during the 21st
century, threatening human health, limiting food production, reducing ecosystem
functions, and hindering economic growth. Water quality degradation translates
directly into environmental, social and economic problems. The availability of the
world’s scarce water resources is increasingly limited due to the worsening pollution
of freshwater resources caused by the disposal of large quantities of insufficiently
treated, or untreated, wastewater into rivers and coastal waters.

Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right and an essential resource
for sustaining life and ecosystems. In Indonesia, a nation characterized by its diverse
geography and extensive river networks, ensuring water quality is of paramount
importance. The Minister of Forestry and Environment states that Indonesia reached
a 53.33 score on the water quality index in 2022. The score increased compared to the
previous year which was 52.82. However, it has not fulfilled the target yet. The
government has a target to reach a water quality index of up to 55.03. This situation
means that the water quality is frequently impaired and conditions often depart from
desirable levels. (Statista 2023).

In Indonesia, water availability exceeds demands in almost all locations, despite

seasonal variability creating water stress in the dry season. However, over 40 million
people do not have access to an improved water source in Indonesia. The poor water
quality in Indonesia is caused by overconsumption, limited clean water sources,
household waste pollution, and industrial activities. The growth of population and
industrial expansion need an ample water supply. Clean water is necessary for daily
consumption and industrial activity.

Indonesia's intricate network of rivers not only sustains ecosystems and supports
livelihoods but also serves as a crucial water source for domestic, agricultural, and
industrial use. However, the rapid pace of urbanization, industrial growth, and
inadequate waste management practices have given rise to a pressing issue: the
deterioration of water quality due to river pollution. This multifaceted problem
transcends geographic boundaries, affecting communities and ecosystems across the
nation.
To improve water quality in Indonesia, river pollution prevention should be done
from household to industrial scale. The community should practice responsible trash
management on a household level. Waste that already flows into the river must be
collected using a trash boom and conveyor. It needs to be handled in a waste
processing facility later on. To prevent river contamination on an industrial scale, the
government should aggressively enforce waste disposal regulations based on waste
quality criteria. The industrial player must develop an operational strategy that
minimizes waste and effectively manages waste.

In commemorating World Rivers Day 2023, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies
will host an International Webinar on “River Pollution in Indonesia: How to Improve
Water Quality?”. This webinar aims to address the issues of water quality degradation
and river pollution in Indonesia, foster a collective understanding of the challenges,
and explore innovative solutions that span from policy formulation to community
engagement. By examining this issue, we aim to pave a path towards sustainable
water management for the benefit of both present and future generations.

II. Objectives

The main objectives of the International Webinar are to:

1. Increase awareness among participants about the intricate connections
between water quality, river pollution, and their far-reaching impacts on
ecosystems and communities.
2. Exchange knowledge and insights from experts, researchers, and practitioners
to collaborate and develop integrated approaches to tackle the issue.
3. Explore innovative strategies, technologies, and best practices that can
effectively address river pollution and improve water quality.

III. Format of Event

This International Webinar will be hosted by CSEAS on September 26th, 2023 at 03.00
– 05.00 p.m. (GMT+7) using CSEAS’ Zoom application and relayed to Live YouTube
to reach more audiences and participants. The participants would come from various
backgrounds from governments, academia, non-governmental organizations,
International Organizations, and media.

IV. Tentative Agenda

Time Activity Moderator

(GMT+7)
September 26th, 2023
03.00 – 04.00 p.m.
1. Dr. Elfithri Rahmah, Chief of Section, Capacity Dr. Arisman,
Development & Water Family Coordination Executive
(CDW), Intergovernmental Hydrological Director,
Programme (IHP), UNESCO (15”) Center for
2. Prof. Dr. Lily Surraya Eka Putri, M.Env.Stud., Southeast
SDGs Center UIN Jakarta (15”) Asian
Studies
3. Dr. Hidayat, Head of Research Center for
(CSEAS)
Limnology and Water Resources National
Research and Innovation (BRIN)(15”)
4. Dr. Ir. Fahmi Hidayat, S.T., M.T., President
Director, Perum Jasa Tirta 1 (15”)
04.00 – 05.00 p.m. Q&A Session (60”)