Human Initiative Meets with Retno Marsudi: Collaboration for Sustainable Access to Clean Water

Jakarta, 6 August 2025 – Human Initiative held a courtesy visit and audience with Ms. Retno Priansari Marsudi, Indonesia’s representative to UN-Water, to discuss strategic humanitarian issues, particularly access to safe and clean water. The meeting, held at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, provided a platform for both parties to share perspectives and experiences regarding the challenges and opportunities in the clean water and sanitation sector.

Ms. Retno emphasized that although Indonesia is an archipelagic country, access to safe drinking water remains very limited. Based on data she presented, only about 5 percent of global clean water availability remains to meet total demand, which is a warning signal that must draw collective attention. In this context, she highlighted the important role of NGOs such as Human Initiative as part of a multi-stakeholder movement to educate communities that clean water is not an unlimited resource.

“Water should be a fundamental right for every human being,” said Ms. Retno. She encouraged NGOs not only to focus on technical assistance but also to play a role in building a consistent, inclusive public education movement that reaches all levels of society. Public education on the clean water crisis, she stressed, is a crucial foundation for encouraging long-term changes in consumption patterns and awareness.

Beyond education, Ms. Retno also urged that every clean water program initiated by NGOs should be supported with comprehensive sustainability planning. It is not enough to simply build infrastructure such as wells or filtration systems; it is equally important to ensure proper maintenance, community involvement, and operational mechanisms that function over the long term.

On this occasion, Human Initiative shared several best practices already implemented, particularly in Java and Somalia, as well as future initiatives to build a sustainable clean water program model. The plan includes training local cadres in water management and promoting hygiene education at schools and within families.

This engagement reinforced that collaboration among NGOs, governments, communities, and international organizations is key to ensuring that clean water remains a right accessible to all. Human Initiative is committed to incorporating Ms. Retno’s insights into its long-term vision and strategy to build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.