Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono revealed that the 2nd Asia International Water Week (AIWW) which was held in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), was part of tourism promotion. The Minister of PUPR expects the international level activities in Labuan Bajo to be part of the promotion of tourism in Indonesia. "Indeed, we chose the host in Labuan Bajo because all the arrangements made by the PUPR Ministry have been completed, and at the same time we are also promoting Labuan Bajo," said Minister Basuki in a written statement received in Jakarta, Monday. Indonesia is trusted to host the 2nd Asia International Water Week (AIWW) which will be held in Labuan Bajo for 3 days on 14-16 March 2022 with the theme "Sufficient and Sustainable Water for All." AIWW is a forum that is regularly held every three years to report progress and formulate policy implementations in finding solutions to various water problems in Asia. AIWW is organized by the Asia Water Council (AWC) in collaboration with the Government of Indonesia.
Labuan Bajo has been designated as part of 5 (five) Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP) in Indonesia. The arrangement carried out by the Ministry of PUPR is expected to increase the productivity of the tourism sector, so that it can bring in foreign exchange, create employment opportunities and increase local economic growth. Minister Basuki also advised that the infrastructure that has been built should be kept clean. "Keep it clean, that's the main thing. I hope that what we have built is taken care of, the community must also be able to take care of its cleanliness. This is a small city, if it is clean it becomes small is beautiful," said Minister Basuki. AIWW can be a discussion forum for government, community, academia, and to raise awareness of water issues in Asia, especially Indonesia. This activity is expected to be attended by 400 participants in person and 1,000 online participants from 15 countries in Asia and member countries of the Asia Water Council. The 2nd AIWW event was spread across several venues in Labuan Bajo, carried out under strict health protocols.
