In his speech, the Chair of the Citarum Watershed Center (BBWS), Ir. Bastari M.Eng., highlighted the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration in preserving water quality and its availability.

He emphasized that the Citarum River, as the lifeline of the surrounding community, bears witness to mounting pressure from rapid urbanization and industrial expansion. Consequently, challenges such as land subsidence, sedimentation, encroachment on riverbanks and borders, waste accumulation, and land use alterations, arise. Ir. Bastari stated that collectively, we possess the capacity to alter this trajectory.

BBWS Citarum has already taken concrete steps to address these challenges, from constructing flood control infrastructure to implementing community empowerment programs in water management. These efforts encompass various significant projects, including the normalization of the Citarum tributary, the establishment of retention ponds in Cieunteung and Andir Floodway Cisangkuy, and other projects such as the Nanjung Tunnel, Oxbow Activation, and pump installations in Bojongsoang and Cisangkuy, as well as the Cibugel and Cigede Polder. Thus, close collaboration among government bodies, the private sector, research institutions, and society is pivotal for sustainable water resources management.

Furthermore, he also addressed the obstacles encountered in the journey towards sustainability. Limited resources and resistance from parties unaware of the urgency of water-related issues are challenges that must be collectively overcome. Therefore, support and active participation from all stakeholders are crucial.

In conclusion, Ir. Bastari expressed gratitude to parties contributing to these efforts and hoped that this event would mark the beginning of a meaningful journey towards maintaining water sustainability and fostering a better future for generations to come.

Reporter: Padmanatha Adhiwijna (Mining Engineering, 2020)
Translator: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)
Editor: Kezia Hosana