IRBM Project Launches in Indonesia to Strengthen Management and Governance of the Ciliwung River Basin
Immediately after the MOA signing in Jakarta, the Regional Project Management Unit met with Mr. Erik Teguh Primiantoro, GEF Operational Focal Point for Indonesia, to discuss Indonesia’s involvement in the project’s activities at the regional, national, and river basin levels and next steps for full project implementation. He emphasised that the pilot project should focus on pressing issues confronting local communities such as the proper management of solid waste and wastewater discharges in the Ciliwung River Basin.
In the afternoon, the project launch in Depok City gathered representatives from MOE, local authorities from the Depok City government, representatives from the Environmental Agency of West Java Province, PKSPL/Institut Pertanian Bogor University, and Komunitas Peduli Sungai Ciliwung, a civil society group working to restore the health of the Ciliwung River Basin.
Participants reviewed the scope of project activities, identified and confirmed the priority issues to be addressed by the project, the implementation arrangements, and opportunities for collaboration to ensure effective delivery through 2027. Some key issues identified included domestic waste such as food waste, wastewater from small-scale tofu industries, solid waste, and flooding. The IRBM Project will develop integrated solutions to address these challenges through pilot project development and implementation in coordination with the MOE and the Depok City government. The need for strengthening coordination and engaging stakeholders, including the private sector, in implementing on-the-ground solutions was also discussed.
In her welcome remarks, Ms Aimee Gonzales, Executive Director of PEMSEA Resource Facility, mentioned that the IRBM Project aims to develop and implement pilot demonstration projects that provide practical, on-the-ground integrated river basin management solutions to the issues facing the Ciliwung River Basin.
“The seven river basins covered by the project, including Ciliwung River, will serve as learning sites to improve governance and management that could potentially be scaled up and replicated. The on-the-ground activities will be complemented by hands-on training, experience sharing, and participatory planning among our six participating countries”, she added.
Mr. Eduward Hutapea, Head of the Regional Office for the Environmental Protection Agency of West Java Province under MOE, highlighted Indonesia's priority to secure water resources for future generations, mentioning the country’s commitment to sustainable development.
“Water is the source of life; therefore, maintaining its sustainability and quality is a shared responsibility,” he stated.
“The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, has emphasized the importance of food sovereignty, water security, and a sustainable environment as part of national development. This commitment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all.”
The project launch in Indonesia represents an important milestone in contributing to regional collaboration for sustainable river basin management across ASEAN Member States, demonstrating how local and national governance contribute to regional environmental objectives.
About the project
Supported by the Global Environment Facility, the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) Project is working to set up functional management mechanisms in priority river basins of six ASEAN countries to reduce pollution and sustain freshwater environmental flows as well as adapt to climate change vulnerabilities. The regional Project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme Bangkok Regional Hub, and executed by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of Seas Asia, in collaboration with ASEAN.
Words and photo cover by Orange Omengan.