In a momentous step towards global water security, Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, has been appointed as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water.
This is the first time the UN Secretary-General has appointed a special envoy for water issues. It is also the first time an Indonesian, Ms. Marsudi, has been entrusted to be the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy. This prestigious appointment underscores Indonesia’s growing prominence in global water discussions and comes at a critical juncture as the nation grapples with multifaceted challenges in providing universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. As Indonesia embarks on this new chapter of water leadership, recent research into the country’s WASH landscape provides a roadmap for strategic action and research, illuminating the path towards a water-secure future.
The State of WASH in Indonesia: Research Insights
A review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health by Satriani et al. of 272 WASH-related articles published in Indonesia offers a comprehensive understanding of the current state of WASH research, revealing both progress and persistent challenges:
- Water at the forefront: Research has predominantly focused on water-related issues, highlighting the urgency of addressing water scarcity, pollution, and resource management in a country with diverse geographical and climatic conditions;
- Research momentum: The review observed a surge in WASH research following the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, signifying a growing national commitment to addressing these challenges;
- Key themes: Two dominant themes have emerged as follows:
- The ‘social’ theme emphasises the need to understand the socio-economic and behavioural factors influencing WASH practices, which is critical for effective and culturally sensitive interventions;
- The ‘technical’ theme highlights the importance of technological innovation in water treatment and sanitation solutions, particularly in remote or underserved areas;
- Geographical disparity: Research efforts are concentrated in Java, revealing an imbalance that needs to be addressed. More studies are urgently required in less developed regions, particularly in eastern Indonesia where WASH challenges are often most severe.
Addressing the Gaps: A Research Agenda for Water Security
The review identified critical gaps in WASH research that must be addressed to achieve the ambitious targets of SDG 6 and ensure a water-secure future for all Indonesians:
- Hygiene as the forgotten pillar: Despite its crucial role in public health, hygiene research remains under-prioritised. A deeper understanding of hygiene practices and barriers in various settings, particularly schools and healthcare facilities, is essential for effective hygiene promotion programmes;
- Behavioural change: While research has identified determinants of WASH behaviour, there is a lack of evidence-based interventions to promote sustainable WASH practices. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating innovative, culturally appropriate behavioural change strategies;
- Financial sustainability: The financial aspects of WASH, including affordability and willingness to pay, need further investigation. Research can inform policies to ensure that WASH services are not only accessible but also financially sustainable, particularly for marginalised communities;
- Vulnerable populations: WASH challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, Indigenous communities, and those in remote areas, need to be better understood. Targeted research and interventions are essential to ensure that no one is left behind;
- Critical settings: WASH in schools, healthcare facilities, and emergency settings remain under-researched. Addressing the specific challenges in these contexts is crucial for safeguarding public health and well-being.
Retno Marsudi: A Catalyst for Change
The appointment of Ms Marsudi as the Special Envoy on Water is a beacon of hope for Indonesia’s WASH sector. Her diplomatic skills, coupled with her deep understanding of Indonesia’s water challenges, offer a unique opportunity to drive progress on multiple fronts:
- Global advocacy: Ms Marsudi can leverage her position to raise the profile of WASH on the global agenda, advocating for increased international cooperation and resource mobilisation to support Indonesia’s efforts;
- Evidence-based policymaking: Her experience can facilitate the translation of research findings into effective policies and programmes, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and contextually relevant;
- Innovation and inclusion: Ms. Marsudi’s leadership can inspire greater investment in WASH research and innovation, particularly in underserved areas and vulnerable populations. By championing inclusivity, she can ensure that the benefits of progress reach all Indonesians.
A New Dawn for Water Security in Indonesia
As Indonesia assumes a more prominent role in global water leadership, the nation stands poised to make significant strides towards a water-secure future. The combination of robust research, strategic policymaking, and inspired leadership under Ms. Marsudi can address the complex WASH challenges that persist. This is a pivotal moment for Indonesia to demonstrate its commitment to the SDGs and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all its citizens. With concerted effort and a focus on evidence-based solutions, the vision of a water-secure Indonesia is well within reach.
The writer of this article, Taufiq Ihsan, is an assistant professor at the Environmental Engineering Department of Universitas Andalas, Indonesia, as well as a doctoral student at Ehime University, Japan.