VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo said that the target of sustainable development goals (SDGs) should not be lowered even though the challenges faced are increasingly difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This challenge should not dampen our enthusiasm and should not lower our SDGs target. We have to find new ways, look for new breakthroughs so we can take a leap," he said in his video remarks at the Annual Conference on Indonesia's 2020 Sustainable Development Goals which was held virtually monitored in Jakarta, Thursday.

He said that innovation to achieve the SDGs target must be continued.

Government officials and other stakeholders must find ways that are more effective and efficient and oriented towards optimal development results.

The President also encouraged the optimal use of science and technology. Researchers, academics, and practitioners are expected to continue to work together to achieve development results.

"We must synergize the wealth of knowledge, it takes seriousness to share and synergize with each other. It takes a clear agenda in every forum like this with clear targets," said Jokowi.

The Head of State asked the Minister for National Development Planning / Head of Bappenas, Suharso Monoarfa, to prepare a sustainable national orchestration so that the utilization of science and technology can be optimal for policymaking and program implementation.

"I am waiting for all concrete recommendations from ladies and gentlemen that we can use as a reference to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs targets," he said.

The SDGs have 17 goals and 169 targets which are expected to be achieved by 2030. SDGs are a global action plan agreed upon by world leaders, including Indonesia, to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the environment. (Antaranews)