KBRN, Jakarta: Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), affirming their shared commitment to advancing issues related to water, environmental sustainability, and public health.

One of the key objectives of the collaboration is to enhance the media competencies of RRI broadcasters. This was highlighted by LPP RRI President Director I. Hendrasmo during his remarks at the Yusuf Ronodipuro Auditorium in Jakarta on Monday, June 30, 2025.

“The partnership aims to strengthen the media capabilities of our broadcasters, while also deepening our knowledge and awareness of the increasingly critical issues of water, the environment, and health,” Hendrasmo said following the signing of the academic and outreach-focused MoU.

He noted that RRI sees it as essential to be actively involved in addressing these global challenges. “In the coming years, Indonesia will face serious challenges in ensuring water security, environmental quality, and public health,” he stated.

Hendrasmo also emphasized that the MoU represents RRI’s commitment to building and enhancing human resources, as well as supporting one of the key points of the eight-mission Astacita development agenda under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.

The collaboration is expected to serve as a platform for individuals affected by environmental and water-related issues to share their stories, highlighting both setbacks and the ongoing challenges in these areas.

“By shifting our attention and reframing the narrative around water, the environment, and health, we can make a meaningful impact, fostering peacebuilding and contributing to lasting peace, something the world desperately needs today,” said UNU-INWEH Director Kaveh Madani at the same event.

RRI’s designation as UNU-INWEH’s Asia-Pacific focal point underscores Indonesia’s growing leadership in regional water diplomacy, environmental science, media, and journalism. It also reflects the country’s increasing role in multilateral engagement, particularly through its position as host of the Asia-Pacific Global Media Academy Secretariat.

“This recognition highlights Indonesia’s strategic role as a regional hub promoting sustainable water management solutions and raising public awareness of global water issues, both crucial to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Juan Pablo Valdes, Political and Public Affairs Adviser at the Canadian Embassy in Jakarta.

Following the MoU signing, LPP RRI will implement the agreement through a series of seminars, conferences, and workshops. By serving as host, RRI further reinforces its position as a center for media engagement and development on water, environmental, and health issues. ***

Translator: Annaila Syafa Azzahra

Editor: Sri Wahyuni