Denpasar, Beritasatu.com - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo warned that 500 million small farmers, who contribute 80 percent of the world's food supply, are projected to be the most vulnerable to drought by 2050.

"Without water, there is no food, no peace, no life. No water, no life, no growth," Jokowi stressed during his speech at the 10th World Water Forum held at BICC, Nusa Dua, Bali, on Monday.

He highlighted that only 1 percent of the world's water is accessible and usable for drinking and sanitation purposes. Thus, water must be managed wisely as every drop is precious.

Jokowi explained that Indonesia, with 65 percent of its area covered by water, is rich in local wisdom for water management, from coastal areas to riverbanks and lakeshores.

"Our people have cultural values related to water. One example is the subak irrigation system in Bali, which has been practiced since the 11th century and is recognized as a world cultural heritage," he said.

For the Balinese, water holds spiritual and cultural significance and must be managed collectively. This aligns with this year's World Water Forum theme, "Water for Shared Prosperity."

This theme encompasses three basic principles: avoiding competition, prioritizing equity and inclusive cooperation, and supporting peace and shared prosperity.

"These principles can only be realized through collaboration. In Indonesia, collaboration has been key to the successful restoration of the Citarum River and the development of the floating solar panel project at Cirata Reservoir, the largest in Southeast Asia and the third largest in the world," Jokowi concluded.

The high-level meeting was attended by several world leaders, including Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof, and Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso.

Also in attendance were World Water Council (WWC) President Loïc Fauchon, United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis, former Hungarian President Janos Ader, French special envoy Barbara Pompili, and Dutch special envoy Meike van Ginneken.

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