By: Ahmad Dzulkifli)*
The Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 will be held again on September 5, 2024 in Jakarta, marking the second time this event has been held. Organized by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) with the support of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), ISF 2024 is an important event that is expected to be able to answer the major challenges related to climate change. This event is projected as an important breakthrough in dealing with this global issue, especially in the context of the energy transition which is one of the main topics discussed.
Deputy for Infrastructure and Transportation Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Rachmat Kaimuddin, emphasized that ISF 2024 is a forum for world leaders, CEOs, and sustainability experts to exchange ideas and encourage business breakthroughs in efforts to overcome the climate crisis. He emphasized that the world is currently at a “decisive moment” that requires concrete and collaborative steps from various parties, especially the private sector. Given that most global greenhouse gas emissions come from business and industrial activities, Rachmat emphasized the importance of active involvement of the business world in the sustainability agenda.
Furthermore, Rachmat explained that ISF 2024 is a platform to present collaborative efforts designed to accelerate the transition process towards a greener and more inclusive future. In addition, this forum provides the latest information on the decarbonization process which is at the heart of Indonesia’s climate commitment. According to him, every small step taken can cause a setback or progress in overcoming the climate crisis. He also emphasized the need for the business world to dare to step forward, innovate, and lead the process towards a sustainable future.
Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, Deputy Chairperson of the Coordinating Maritime, Investment and Foreign Affairs of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also shared her views on the role of the business sector in promoting sustainability practices and agendas. According to her, the adoption of sustainability through the implementation of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) standards not only provides positive contributions to the environment but also offers long-term business benefits. Shinta emphasized that now is the right time for the business community to make sustainability their core strategy. This is because companies that focus on ESG tend to attract more investment, achieve better financial performance in the long term, and are able to manage risks more effectively.
More than 5,000 participants are expected to attend ISF 2024, making it the largest sustainability event in the Asia-Pacific region, after COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The forum is not only a place for discussion, but is also expected to produce policy recommendations that will be brought to COP29 in November. Various international figures, including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, as well as ministers and high-ranking officials from several countries, will also take part as keynote speakers. Their presence shows the importance of ISF 2024 as a global platform to deepen collaboration on sustainability practices.
In addition, ISF 2024 also features more than 100 speakers from business, civil society, and government sectors speaking in 10 panel sessions and 15 thematic sessions. Topics discussed cover a wide range of sustainability issues, including green energy transition, technology, human resources, green finance, nature conservation, and biodiversity protection. The forum also features inclusive sessions involving communities and social organizations that have a strong track record in sustainable practices.
In a series of events leading up to ISF 2024, the Youth Energy and Environment Council (YEC) held a strategic dialogue involving various key figures from the government, industry, and civil society sectors. This event was YEC’s first step in encouraging the use of renewable energy and environmental conservation through cross-sector collaboration. In the dialogue, Rachmat Kaimuddin highlighted the importance of transformation in the transportation sector to support green initiatives, including the need to develop an efficient mass transportation system and increase the use of electric vehicles.
Fadli Rahman, Director of Pertamina NRE, also conveyed the government’s strategy in accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government policies and private sector innovation in this process. In addition, the issue of pollution and its impact on public health was also a topic of discussion that was discussed in depth, covering the technology and regulations needed to address the problem.
Sustainable industry was also a major focus of the discussion, with Dirgayuza Setiawan from the Prabowo-Gibran team explaining the important role of industry in reducing carbon emissions. Billy Mambrasar, Special Staff to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized the need to involve the younger generation in the energy transition process, by working with the National Energy Council and YEC in the socialization and discussion of the Regional Energy General Plan (RUED). This dialogue is expected to provide valuable contributions to policymakers, business actors, and civil society in efforts to build a greener and more sustainable Indonesia.
*) Environmental Issues Observer, Diponegoro University
