Jakarta, INTI – President Joko Widodo officially opened the Indonesian International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 with a strong call for enhanced global cooperation to address the climate crisis and accelerate the international sustainability agenda.
"Indonesia is very open to partnering with anyone to maximize the potential for a greener world. To provide access to fair green energy, for inclusive and equitable economic growth. I hope that this ISF forum can become a place where knowledge, experience, and resources meet, becoming a shared capital to collaborate in tackling the existing climate challenges," President Jokowi said in his speech before ministers of allied countries, the Indonesian cabinet, CEOs, philanthropic leaders, leading experts, and international figures in climate action.
The President highlighted Indonesia's abundant green energy potential, with more than 3,600 GW available. The country also boasts Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar power plant in Cirata, with a capacity of 192 MW peak, making it the third-largest in the world.
He further pointed to Indonesia's vast potential in carbon absorption through its 3.3 million hectares of mangrove forests, which can absorb carbon 8-12 times more effectively than tropical rainforests. Additionally, Indonesia is home to a 13,000-hectare green industrial zone.
"However, none of this will have a significant impact on accelerating climate change mitigation if developed countries are unwilling to invest, if research and technology are not widely shared, and if financing is not provided on terms that are favorable to developing nations," Jokowi emphasized.
"We need a collaborative, humane approach, and a partnership between developed and developing nations. Collaboration is not an option, and humanity is not a choice—it is a necessity and an obligation," he added.
Organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment in collaboration with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), ISF 2024 aims to foster international collaboration and share best practices in decarbonization, to strengthen global efforts toward sustainable development.
With more than 11,000 registered participants from 53 countries, ISF is regarded as the second-largest climate action meeting in the Asia-Pacific region after the upcoming COP29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan, highlighted Indonesia’s strategic role in advancing sustainability in the region. He noted that Indonesia’s rich natural resources, including critical minerals, could accelerate the transition toward a greener, cleaner economic path.
"This is precisely why Indonesia is hosting ISF 2024. I hope that this forum will eventually become 'The Davos for Sustainability' in the Asia-Pacific region. This platform should serve as a space for sharing knowledge, experience, and resources to confront the challenges we all face together," said Minister Luhut.
"Indonesia stands at a crucial crossroads in its history, where the need to adopt a green, clean economic path can no longer be ignored. But in our efforts to lift Indonesia out of the middle-income bracket, a strategic approach is necessary to sustain green growth so that Indonesia can become a developed country by 2045. Achieving a balance between economic growth and climate commitments is essential, and one way to achieve this is through strong collaboration based on mutual respect," Minister Luhut added.
He also announced that next year’s ISF will take place in Bali with a broader focus on maritime expeditions.
Sharing similar views, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce Chairman Arsjad Rasjid stressed that the business community holds a key position in creating a lasting positive impact.
"The era where profit was the sole goal of the private sector is over. Today, the business world holds an important responsibility in achieving sustainability and contributing to poverty alleviation. With significant capital comes the responsibility to empower communities and protect the planet by investing in a future where economic growth aligns with climate commitments," Arsjad stated.
The ISF 2024 will delve into five main pillars of sustainable growth: (i) Energy transition, (ii) Green industry, (iii) Conservation of biodiversity and nature, (iv) Sustainable lifestyle, and (v) Blue economy. Over two days, the event will also explore key enablers of sustainable growth, such as green financing and carbon pricing, technology, human resources, policies, and international collaboration.
The forum features more than 250 speakers from government, business, multilateral organizations, civil society, think tanks, and youth leaders, engaging in in-depth discussions on the main drivers of sustainable growth across 10 plenary sessions and 15 thematic sessions.
Key speakers at ISF 2024 include Singapore's Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, Singapore's Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean Peter Thomson, France’s Special Advisor on Climate Action Kevin Magron, Bezos Earth Fund CEO Andrew Steer, and AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandez.
ISF will also facilitate the signing of 12 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to energy transition, further solidifying commitments toward a sustainable future. In addition to the forum, around 500 VIP guests will enjoy a gala dinner with video mapping entertainment at the National Monument (Monas), featuring a light show using projectors to display animated images or videos.
ISF 2024 advocates, including actress Chelsea Islan, actor Dion Wiyoko, and Puteri Indonesia Intelegensia 2024 Lady Diandra, will also help spread awareness about ISF 2024 and encourage youth participation in the forum. These advocates were chosen for their achievements, environmental concerns, and commitment to sustainable growth.