Indonesia’s Strategic Role in Building a Sustainable Partnership Network in HLF-MSP and IAF II
By: Rika Prasatya)*
Indonesia hosted two important international events that reflect the country’s commitment to global solidarity and international cooperation. The 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) and the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF MSP) 2024 were successfully held, affirming Indonesia’s strategic role in building an inclusive and sustainable global network.
In his remarks at the event held in Bali on 1-3 September 2024, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to create inclusive and responsive cooperation to global challenges. This event has become an important moment to strengthen international cooperation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In an effort to accelerate the achievement of SDGs and improve regional competitiveness, Indonesia is actively involved in various international cooperation initiatives. One of the major steps taken is through the implementation of HLF MSP and IAF 2024.
With the theme “Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships: Towards a Transformative Change”, Indonesia emphasizes the importance of cross-sector collaboration to create inclusive and responsive cooperation to global challenges. Thus, innovative solutions are born to overcome various global problems.
In the HLF MSP 2024, Indonesia highlighted three main global issues, namely Multistakeholder Partnerships to Strengthen South-South and Triangular Cooperation, Strengthening Prosperity and Sustainability Through Sustainable Economy, and Advancing Development Through Financing Innovation.
Hendra Wahanu Prabandani as Director of Foreign Policy and International Development Cooperation of the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN)/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), explained that this multi-party partnership approach is very necessary not only at the national level, but also at the global level. This forum aims to enhance and renew global commitments in the context of effective and inclusive development partnerships. In addition, the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) agree that the HLF MSP and IAF 2024 are closely related, although there are several specific issues in each forum.
Previously, the Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Siti Nugraha Mauludiah, said that one of the main focuses of IAF 2024 is strengthening development cooperation in Africa. This is part of Indonesia’s efforts to support global development goals, especially in developing countries. This commitment is based on the spirit of the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference and Indonesia’s leadership in the non-aligned movement.
Indonesia has organized more than 1,000 South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) programs in the past two decades, covering sectors such as agriculture, maritime affairs, energy, and women’s empowerment. These programs are not only aimed at African countries, but also at countries in Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, and South America.
Data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) shows that trade between southern countries continues to increase. From 2005 – 2021, their trade contribution to global trade rose from 17 percent to 28 percent. Against this backdrop, the IAF and HLF MSP 2024 can strengthen the role of southern countries in achieving SDG 2030 and Agenda 2063, which are Africa’s plans to become a global powerhouse in the future.
In addition, in the eyes of the international community, Indonesia is increasingly recognized as a development partner for developing countries. Indonesia’s initiatives and leadership role as an emerging donor are increasingly recognized, especially in helping African countries strengthen food, health, and energy security. To strengthen this development cooperation, Indonesia established the Indonesian Development Cooperation Fund Institution (LDKPI) in 2019, which has implemented more than 50 grant programs with a total value of more than IDR 1 trillion.
On a different occasion, Deputy for Politics, Law, Defense, and Security of Bappenas, Bogat Widyatmoko, said that through the HLF MSP 2024, Indonesia has committed to strengthening global solidarity while accelerating the achievement of the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. This is through innovative and transformative multi-party partnerships.
The Bali meeting has encouraged growth, especially in developing countries through trade and investment. Discussions at the HLF MSP 2024 have also been able to increase opportunities and easier access to new technologies, thereby increasing economic productivity and efficiency of integration into global trade. These steps will again strengthen Indonesia’s role in efforts to narrow the development gap between countries and accelerate the achievement of the 2030 TPB/SDGs.
Indonesia’s leadership in organizing the HLF MSP and IAF 2024 demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to play an active role in creating inclusive and sustainable global cooperation. Initiatives like these not only strengthen Indonesia’s position on the international stage but also contribute to global efforts to achieve more equitable and just development.
Amid increasingly complex global challenges, multi-stakeholder approaches and international cooperation are key to finding innovative solutions and ensuring that no country is left behind. Indonesia, through these forums, acts as a bridge that strengthens solidarity between countries, especially in efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.
)* The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Study Institute
