Kemenko Marves—Indonesian President Joko Widodo opened the Indonesian International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 in Jakarta on Thursday (Sept. 5), calling for stronger global cooperation to address the climate crisis and accelerate international sustainability goals.

"Indonesia is open to partnering with anyone to unlock our potential for a greener world. We aim to provide equitable access to green energy and foster inclusive and fair economic growth. I hope this ISF forum can become a hub for sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources that can serve as a collective foundation for addressing climate challenges," said President Widodo in his address to international ministers, Indonesian cabinet members, CEOs, philanthropic leaders, prominent experts, and global climate action figures.

President Widodo highlighted Indonesia's vast green energy potential, which exceeds 3,600 GW. He also singled out Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant, with its 192 MW peak capacity, as the largest in Southeast Asia and the third largest globally.

Furthermore, President Widodo said that Indonesia is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, with 3.3 million hectares that can absorb carbon 8-12 times more effectively than tropical rainforests. Additionally, the country has designated a 13,000-hectare area for green industrial development.

"However, these efforts will not be able to accelerate climate change mitigation unless developed countries make bold investments and ensure that research and technology become widely accessible, and funding is provided in to alleviate the burden on developing nations," he added.

"Cooperation between developed and developing countries requires a collaborative and humanitarian approach. Collaboration is not optional, and humanity is not an option, rather it’s a must and an obligation,” he said.

Hosted by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) in collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), ISF 2024 is designed to promote international collaboration and share best practices in decarbonization, aiming to enhance global efforts toward sustainable development.

With over 11,000 registered participants from 53 countries, ISF is recognized as the second-largest climate action event in the Asia-Pacific region, following the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan highlighted Indonesia’s pivotal role in advancing sustainability across the region, saying that the country is rich with natural resources, including critical minerals, to accelerate the transition towards a greener and cleaner economic model.  

“Indonesia stands at a pivotal moment in history, where the urgency to adopt a green and clean economic pathway has become an absolute must. Nonetheless, as we strive to lift Indonesia out of middle-income bracket, we must take a strategic approach to maintain our green growth to become a developed nation by 2045. Therefore, the stakes of our green growth are high, and one way to achieve a balance between economic growth and our climate commitments is through strong collaboration based on mutual respect,” said Luhut.

Arsjad Rasjid, Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, echoed Minister Luhut’s sentiments, saying that as the engine of growth, the corporate world is well placed to create a lasting impact on sustainability.

“Gone are the days when profit became the singular objective of the private sector. Today, the corporate world holds a critical role and responsibility in achieving sustainability and contributing to poverty eradication. With much capital comes a strong obligation to uplift communities and protect the planet by investing in a future where economic growth aligns with climate commitment and social equity,” said Arsjad.

The ISF 2024 dives deep into five key levers of sustainable growth; (i) Energy transition (ii) Green industry (iii) Biodiversity and nature conservation (iv) Sustainable living and (v) Blue economy. The two-day event also looks at the key enablers of achieving sustainable growth, such as green finance and carbon pricing, technology, human capital, as well as policy and international collaboration.  

The Forum features over 250 speakers from the government, business sector, multi-lateral organizations, civil society, think tanks, and youth, who will engage in in-depth discussions on key drivers of sustainable growth across 10 plenary and 14 thematic sessions.

Among the keynote speakers at the ISF 2024 include Singapore's Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, Singapore Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean Peter Thomson, Special Advisor on Climate Action from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kevin Magron, and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund Andrew Steer.

The ISF will also facilitate the signing of 12 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on energy transition, further solidifying commitments to a sustainable future.

In addition to attending the forum, around 500 VIP guests will enjoy a gala dinner with entertainment, including video mapping at the national monument (Monas), a light show that uses projectors to display animated images or videos. 

The distinguished guests of the ISF 2024 gala dinner will be entertained by several artists, including Putri Ariani, Dwiki Dharmawan, Saykoji, GAC, the Anank Ganzerlana Choir, and an eco-friendly fashion show from the Puteri Indonesia Foundation. 

The ISF 2024 is also supported by ISF advocates, namely actress Chelsea Islan, actor Dion Wiyoko, and ‘Puteri Indonesia Intelegensia’ 2024 Lady Diandra, who have been entrusted with spreading information about ISF 2024 and encouraging youth engagement in the forum. These advocates were chosen for their achievements, concern, and commitment to realizing sustainable growth.

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