By: Indriyani)*
Indonesia has demonstrated its strong commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change through the organization of the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024, which will be held again on September 5-6, 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC). With the presence of around thousands of participants and hundreds of VIP guests from various countries, ISF 2024 is one of the largest climate conferences in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Indonesia Sustainability Forum (ISF) which was opened on September 5, 2024 by President Joko Widodo has become an important event in emphasizing Indonesia’s commitment to sustainability and green energy transition. This forum was held amidst the increasing urgency of climate change that threatens global welfare. Climate change not only threatens the environment, but also the welfare of the world’s people, so 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.
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.
ISF 2024 is not just an ordinary discussion forum. This forum is an official event of the Indonesian government that aims to gather world leaders from various sectors and countries. Through this forum, it is hoped that there will be an exchange of ideas, solutions, and best practices in climate action that can be applied globally. The five main pillars highlighted in ISF 2024 are the green economy, energy transition, nature and biodiversity conservation, sustainable lifestyles, and the marine economy.
With a theme that covers various crucial aspects in efforts to preserve the earth, ISF 2024 is not just a meeting of experts and policy makers. More than that, this forum is an important momentum for Indonesia to affirm its position as one of the countries leading the global effort to combat climate change. Previously, Rachmat Kaimuddin, Deputy for Infrastructure and Transportation Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Marves), even called ISF 2024 the second largest climate action event in the Asia-Pacific region after COP29 which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
ISF 2024 is not only a discussion forum, but also produces policies that will be brought and delivered at the upcoming COP29. This shows that ISF 2024 has a real and long-term impact on global efforts to overcome the climate crisis. Amidst various global challenges, the spirit of collaboration carried out in ISF 2024 is key to creating actions and innovations that are expected to be implemented in various countries.
ISF 2024 also has a strong diplomatic dimension. After being opened by President Jokowi, VIP guests attended a gala dinner held at the National Monument (Monas) area. Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, Deputy Chairperson of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs, Investment, and Foreign Affairs of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), stated that this dinner was an opportunity for world leaders to strengthen diplomatic relations and discuss strategic issues in a more relaxed atmosphere but still focused on the main goal, namely maintaining the sustainability of the earth.
Indonesia, as the host of ISF 2024, not only acts as a discussion facilitator, but also shows a real commitment in implementing the solutions resulting from this forum. Various policies and initiatives that have been implemented by the Indonesian government, such as energy transition and nature conservation, are real examples of how a country can move forward in efforts to combat climate change. By holding ISF 2024, Indonesia also sends a strong message to the world that efforts to combat climate change require close collaboration and strong commitment from all parties.
The holding of ISF 2024 is not only important for Indonesia, but also for the Asia-Pacific region and the world. With the increasingly pressing issue of climate change, forums such as ISF 2024 are an important platform to unite views and actions from various parties, from the government, private sector, to international organizations. Through ISF 2024, Indonesia shows that countries in the Asia-Pacific region can play a key role in global efforts to maintain the sustainability of the earth.
The author sees that ISF 2024 is an important step for Indonesia and the world in facing the challenges of climate change. By gathering world leaders and facilitating the exchange of ideas and solutions, ISF 2024 is real evidence that global collaboration can produce real actions that have a positive impact on the sustainability of the earth. Indonesia, through the implementation of ISF 2024, has confirmed its commitment to leading global efforts to combat climate change and safeguard the future of the planet.
)* The author is a contributor to Persada Institute
