YOGYAKARTA – Indonesian Public Works Minister, Ir. Djoko Kirmanto, Dipl.HE., has been granted Doctor Honoris Causa title for Water Resource and Environment by Universitas Gadjah Mada. The award is given to his works and dedication in advancing society in water resource management and environment. “His policy in irrigation, water conservation, and water resource management proved useful,” said chairman of promotors, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sunjoto, Dip.HE, during the title conferment in the Senate Hall on Wednesday (19/3).
Djoko Kirmanto raises awareness on environment through the Green City concept. During his tenure as Public Works Minister, he is seen as always prioritising water resource allotment for people as shown by the Regulation No. 16 Year 2005 on Drinking Water Provision System and Regulation No. 20 Year 2006 on Irrigation that enhances society’s role.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc, Sc, said the honoris causa award conferred to the alumnus of Engineering Faculty UGM was the 22nd. Nine people from abroad and 13 Indonesians have been granted the title by UGM with the first one going to President Soekarno. Pratikno hoped the conferment would inspire society, particularly legislators and leaders, to pay more attention to water resource supply and management.
Djoko Kirmanto in his acceptance speech said Indonesia’s water resource ranks fifth in the world with supplies averaging 3,900 billion cubic per year that are sustained in 5,886 rivers and 521 lakes.
“If these are not managed well, it’s possible we will come to the water resource crisis stage as had happened in neighbouring countries,” said the man born in Solo 70 years ago.