Water Symposium 2025 at Udayana University Discusses Circular Wastewater Management Strategies to Create Positive Impacts for Society and the Environment

Denpasar – Udayana University, through its Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Technology at Wageningen University and Research, Bali Youth Parliament for Water, and the Network Initiative, organized the Water Symposium 2025 under the theme "Closing the Loop: Enhancing Urban Water Metabolism Through Circular Wastewater Strategies for Sustainable Cities." The event took place at the Graduate Program Hall, Sudirman Campus, Denpasar, on Tuesday (August 19, 2025). The goal of the symposium was to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, perspectives, and ideas regarding sustainable water management that positively impacts both society and the environment.

The symposium was officially opened by the Vice Governor of Bali and featured three keynote speakers Dr. Katarzyna Kujawa (Lecturer, Environmental Technology Department, Wageningen University & Research), Ni Nyoman Santi, S.T., M.Sc. (Head of Bali-Nusra Environmental Control Center, Ministry of Environment and Forestry/BKLH), and Ir. Kadek Diana Harmayani, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPM ASEAN Eng (Lecturer, Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Udayana University).

Sarah Abigail, Deputy Coordinator of the organizing committee, reported that the symposium was attended by 41 invited guests and 55 participants, comprising academics, practitioners, NGOs, local government officials, and students. The key issues addressed stemmed from the challenges of urban water management, especially in rapidly growing areas like Bali. These challenges are exacerbated by wastewater management problems, which, if not properly addressed, can degrade groundwater quality and pollute water bodies.

“Given the urgency, Water Symposium 2025 was held to respond to these challenges with the hope that concrete follow-up actions will emerge to address sustainable wastewater management,” she said.

In his opening remarks, Rector of Udayana University, Prof. I Ketut Sudarsana, highlighted that water is the source of life. However, water management has become increasingly complex due to population growth and urbanization. Through circular wastewater management strategies, we are encouraged to shift our perspective from viewing wastewater as a burden to seeing it as a resource that can be recovered as clean water, energy, or other valuable products that support food security and environmental sustainability.

By promoting international collaboration, impactful research, and active participation in global dialogue, Udayana University is taking concrete steps toward this vision while upholding the values of excellence, independence, and cultural integrity.

“I am confident this forum will become a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration at both national and international levels as we collectively strive to realize sustainable and resilient cities,” said the Rector.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor of Bali, Nyoman Giri Prasta, expressed his commitment to ensuring clean water availability and environmental preservation on the Island of the Gods. He welcomed the initiative of organizing the Water Symposium, emphasizing that water is an essential and non-negotiable need. Furthermore, Giri Prasta stressed the importance of consistent environmental stewardship.

“I hope this symposium will not merely be an academic forum but also produce tangible recommendations that can be implemented in public policy and practical field applications,” he stated.

The outcomes of discussions and studies from this symposium are expected to provide concrete solutions for sustainable urban wastewater management tailored to Bali’s unique social, cultural, and geographical characteristics. The symposium also aims to encourage cross-sector collaboration among academics, government, businesses, and communities to strengthen efforts in providing clean water and preserving water resources.