World leaders, including Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Papua New Guinea, James Marape gathered in Jakarta today to attend the first Indonesian Sustainability Forum (ISF), along with global sustainability experts, to discuss ways in striking a balance between growth and planet protection.

The Indonesian Government, through the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenko Marves) hosted the ISF 2023 which attracted more than 800 participants, making it one of the prominent sustainability gatherings in the Asia-Pacific region. The Ministry organized the Forum in partnership with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia).

Head of multilateral organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva also attended the event. The World Bank President Ajay Banga participated in a fireside chat with the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut. B. Pandjaitan during the gala dinner.

Speaking at the event, Luhut said that Indonesia stands ready to become an influential force to push forward sustainability agenda across the region.

“Every country is different, with different starting points, capacity and capability with limitations to decarbonize. But, climate crisis is our common challenge, and therefore it’s everyone’s problem. A failure of a single nation is a failure of the whole world. Therefore, collaboration is needed for everyone to succeed. With the spirit of global collaboration in mind, we initiated Indonesia Sustainability Forum,” said Luhut in his speech

Chairman of Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), Arsjad Rasjid, echoes Luhut’s statement saying that active and mutual participation from all stakeholders including the global private sector can lead to win-win solutions for growth and the planet.

“Tackling global sustainability issues requires a comprehensive, collaborative, and inclusive approach. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, including businesses, civil society, and local communities, we can forge meaningful solutions that not only promote sustainable growth but also secure livelihoods,” said Arsjad.

More than 100 speakers from the business sector, civil society and government participated in 10 plenary and 14 thematic sessions. The plenary tackled issues ranging from green energy transition and technology, biodiversity protection and downstreaming critical mineral industry for decarbonization. The Forum has 14 thematic sessions showcasing issues such as circular economy, international cooperation and green financing, among others.