Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF) 2024
The 2024 Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF), officially inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on September 5, 2024, at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), showcased Indonesia’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable economic growth. This event brought together stakeholders from around the globe, including the government, private sector, NGOs, and academics, to exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative solutions to combat climate challenges.
President Jokowi’s Vision: Collaboration for Climate Action
In his opening remarks, President Jokowi emphasized the need for a humanitarian and collaborative approach to effectively tackle climate change. He noted that economic-driven efforts focused on profits and individual interests would not be sufficient. Instead, partnerships between developed and developing nations must be strengthened to create a green economy that benefits not only the environment but also the prosperity of the people.
Indonesia’s potential for green energy is vast, with over 3,600 gigawatts of potential renewable energy sources. The country’s investment in the floating solar power plant at Cirata Reservoir, the largest in Southeast Asia, exemplifies its commitment to renewable energy. Additionally, Indonesia’s vast mangrove forests, which cover 3.3 million hectares, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, storing carbon 8-12 times more effectively than tropical rainforests.
However, Jokowi underscored that global cooperation is essential to fully harness these opportunities. He urged developed nations to invest in green energy and share technology to ease the financial burden on developing countries.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi’s Call for Green Investment
On the second day of IISF 2024, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi highlighted the importance of green investment in her keynote speech. She emphasized that renewable energy is an environmental solution and a driver of economic growth. With Indonesia aspiring to be a part of the global shift towards a low-carbon economy, it actively uses diplomacy to promote sustainable development and global cooperation to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
Retno outlined three priorities for a sustainable future:
Investing in Green Energy: The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) are among Indonesia's initiatives to promote green energy. She called for affordable green technology to be treated as a public good.
Unlocking the Blue Economy: Indonesia’s Blue Economy Roadmap 2023-2045 aims to generate over USD 1.5 trillion and create 30 million jobs annually by focusing on sustainable industries such as aquaculture and downstream fisheries.
Carbon Sequestration: As one of the largest tropical rainforest countries, Indonesia is pivotal in absorbing carbon emissions. The country has set ambitious targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 or earlier.
Sustainable Forestry and Agroforestry
One of the notable side events at IISF 2024 was Warung Nusantara (Warnus), which focused on promoting eco-friendly local Indonesian products. During this event, the Coalition for Earth Economics (KEM) and PT Amartha Mikro Fintek (Amartha) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop microfinance programs in social forestry. This initiative aims to strengthen agroforestry systems in rural communities by providing microfinance access, building capacity, and enhancing digital financial literacy.
The partnership will significantly impact social forestry sectors in regions like Bali Barat and Trenggalek. By empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs, the program will support inclusive and sustainable economic growth while fostering environmental conservation.
The Importance of Cocoa Value Chain for Sustainable Growth
Another key discussion at IISF 2024 centred around the cocoa value chain. As the third-largest cocoa producer in the world, Indonesia produces 700,000 tons annually, with 85% of the output exported as raw beans. The forum emphasized the need to move towards value-added processing, such as producing cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate, which could potentially increase export value to USD 3 billion annually.
Over 90% of Indonesia’s cocoa production is managed by smallholder farmers using agroforestry methods. This sustainable farming approach supports carbon absorption, boosts biodiversity, and enhances farmers' resilience to climate change. Effective collaboration and capacity building are crucial for realizing the full potential of the bioeconomy in the cocoa sector.
Moving from Extractive to Restorative Economies
KEM reiterated the need to shift investments from extractive industries, such as oil and gas, to restorative economies. Natural-based innovations and bioeconomy models offer real solutions to environmental challenges while creating jobs and contributing to social welfare. Gita Syahrani, Chairperson of KEM, stressed that Indonesia’s future lies in building sustainable foundations through these restorative practices, which align economic growth with environmental protection.
Conclusion
The 2024 Indonesia International Sustainability Forum was a critical platform for fostering global collaboration in tackling climate challenges and promoting sustainable development. From President Jokowi’s call for humanitarian approaches to Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi’s emphasis on green investment and the significant initiatives in social forestry and agroforestry, IISF 2024 highlighted Indonesia’s role as a leader in sustainability. Through collective efforts and strategic partnerships, Indonesia is paving the way toward a greener, more inclusive future.
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