By: Faruq Arfiansyah)*
President Jokowi officially opened the Indonesia Sustainability Forum (ISF) on September 5, 2024. In the forum that brought together many stakeholders, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability issues and the green energy transition.
The ISF, which will be held from 5-6 September 2024 in Jakarta, is believed to produce many positive things for issues of sustainability and earth preservation. This forum is held amidst the increasing urgency of climate change that threatens global welfare. As is known, the issue of climate change not only threatens the environment, but also the welfare of the world community, so that collaboration and appropriate solutions are urgent needs.
In the ISF, President Jokowi emphasized the importance of collaboration in dealing with climate change. Climate change, he said, will not be resolved if countries only focus on their own economic benefits and ignore humanitarian values. Collaboration between developed and developing countries is essential so that the green energy transition process does not sacrifice the common people. This is an important foundation in creating sustainable prosperity.
Indonesia is fully committed to achieving net zero emissions, a step that requires global support. With its large green energy potential, more than 3600 Giga Watts, and various initiatives such as the Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS) with a capacity of 192 Mega Watts, Indonesia has shown its seriousness in realizing a greener world. In addition, the existence of 3.3 million hectares of mangrove forests that can absorb carbon significantly is a major capital for Indonesia in supporting global climate action.
However, this potential will not be effective without the support of developed countries, either through investment, research, technology, or funding that eases developing countries. These three factors are important notes for all countries participating in the ISF. Indonesia, with its openness, is ready to partner with anyone to maximize the potential of green energy and encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This forum is a meeting place for knowledge, experience, and resources that will become shared capital in facing global climate challenges.
Coordination between various parties, both government and private sector, is key in efforts to face climate challenges. This was also conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who emphasized the importance of sustainability as the main agenda in development. According to him, ISF is not only relevant in discussing the challenges of the climate crisis, but also a platform for innovation and collaboration for a better future.
Indonesia has a long history of supporting global climate action. By utilizing its natural resources, the country continues to strive to be a leader in sustainable development. The use of new and renewable energy (EBT) is not only beneficial for the environment, but also empowers local communities and maintains the rights of people to progress and develop. Sustainable economic development is key to welcoming a better future, where every country has the same opportunities, even with different capacities and capabilities.
This year’s ISF was attended by more than thousands of participants from dozens of countries, who together discussed important issues related to energy transition, green industry, biodiversity, nature conservation, blue economy, and sustainable living. The forum included 10 plenary meetings, 14 themes, and dialogues of state leaders aimed at producing concrete agreements on the future of sustainability.
ISF is also an important moment in the era of President Jokowi’s administration. This is because a number of global figures are present as keynote speakers at ISF 2024, including Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, and China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zuanglong.
In addition, the Minister of Environment of the Democratic Republic of Congo Eve Bazaiba, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean Peter Thomson, and the Special Advisor on Climate Action of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kevin Magron also took part.
In addition, the Forum also presented the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Arsjad Rasjid, CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund Andrew Steers, and Vice President of the Rockefeller Foundation Deepali Khanna.
The author hopes that the collaboration established in the ISF can provide a real impact in dealing with climate change. The various signings of cooperation carried out in this forum are proof that international collaboration is key in overcoming global challenges. Thus, the ISF is not only a forum for discussion, but also a strategic momentum to strengthen global efforts in realizing a greener and more sustainable world.
In the future, ISF is planned to continue to be held on a larger scale. Luhut said that Bali will be the next host of ISF, with various new agendas, such as sea expeditions, which will highlight the great potential of Indonesia’s seas in supporting sustainability. This shows Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to being part of the global solution in dealing with climate change.
The author sees that ISF 2024 is a real symbol of the collective efforts of Indonesia and the international world to face the challenges of climate change. This forum not only highlights the importance of sustainability in development, but also emphasizes that collaboration is the path to a better future for all.
)* The author is a contributor to Persada InstituteShare
