VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp attended a diplomatic reception commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day, hosted at the Indonesian Ambassador’s residence in Wassenaar (Photo : KBRI Netherlands) - 

VOInews, Netherlands : In a vibrant display of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp attended a diplomatic reception commemorating Indonesia’s Independence Day, hosted at the Indonesian Ambassador’s residence in Wassenaar. This event marked one of the first diplomatic engagements of FM Veldkamp, who was sworn in as part of Prime Minister Dick Schoof’s cabinet in July 2024.

Upon his arrival, FM Veldkamp was greeted with a distinctive Minang (West Sumatran) cultural ceremony, honoring the birthplace of the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mayerfas.

The traditional Talempong music filled the air as Plate and Pasambahan dancers performed, offering the ceremonial Betel leaves to Ambassador Mayerfas and his distinguished guest, FM Veldkamp, symbolizing a gesture of respect and goodwill. 

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Mayerfas expressed his gratitude for FM Veldkamp’s presence, emphasizing the strong and growing partnership between Indonesia and the Netherlands. He voiced optimism that under FM Veldkamp’s leadership, the two nations would continue to foster a comprehensive and forward-looking bilateral cooperation, building upon the existing Comprehensive Partnership framework.

FM Veldkamp reciprocated the sentiments, extending his congratulations on Indonesia’s Independence Day and reiterating the importance of collaboration. He highlighted the significance of the Plan of Action 2024-2025, which aims to strengthen economic, cultural, and political ties between the two countries. 

In a special segment aimed at promoting Indonesian entrepreneurship and innovation, over 30 members of the Indonesian diaspora, along with several Indonesian State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), showcased their products and services.

The highlight of the evening was a fashion show by “Sroja”, a premium Indonesian fashion brand, which unveiled its latest collection to the distinguished guests, furthering Indonesia's cultural and economic diplomacy. Total more than 900 guests attended the reception//VOI

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment of Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan giving his closing remarks at ISF 2024. (Photo : SS doc. Video NK-VOI) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 concluded on Friday (Sept. 6) with a series of climate-related commitments, further cementing Indonesia’s position as a key climate player and leading voice of green growth for developing economiesThe two-day gathering saw the signing of 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on critical areas such as cross-border electricity interconnection, carbon capture, acceleration of energy transition, as well as green transition in transportation, among others.

In his closing remarks, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (CMMAI/Kemenko Marves) of Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the ISF’s strong spirit of collaboration boosted his hopes in tackling climate crisis.

“I have every confidence that we will maintain the momentum generated in these past two days and
turn the ideas we’ve exchanged into meaningful action, We all heard that the energy transition is complex, and there are no shortcuts. While we all come from diverse backgrounds with different starting points, boundaries, and challenges, we share the same responsibility and opportunity to contribute to the global sustainability journey,” said Pandjaitan, whose Ministry hosted the ISF 2024 with support from the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce (Kadin Indonesia).

Rachmat Kaimuddin, Deputy for Transportation and Infrastructure at the Coordinating Ministry of and Maritime Affairs and Investment (CMMAI/Kemenko Marves), echoed Luhut’s statement saying that the next step is to focus on action.

“We hosted the ISF 2024 in Indonesia because we recognize that to combat climate crisis, the world must build lasting, mutually beneficial collaboration that respects each country's starting point, needs and constraints. We are dealing with complex challenges, but we can't afford to wait for the theoretically perfect solutions. So let us focus on practical solutions that can positively impact people's lives, now", Rachmat said. 

Shinta W. Kamdani, Coordinating Vice Chairwoman for Maritime, Investment and Foreign Affairs of Kadin Indonesia, said that the collaborative solutions from ISF 2024 can bridge the sustainable funding gap, enabling the implementation of sustainable business practices, particularly in terms of financing.

“The ISF 2024 proved to be an impactful platform that could turn collaboration into green opportunities. I look forward to witnessing how the ISF’s follow up actions could strengthen the collective commitment of the corporate world as a key driver in mobilizing green funding,” Shinta said.

The ISF 2024 drew around 7,000 participants, more than triple compared to last year’s attendance. The 7,000 participants were part of the 11,000 people from 53 countries who had registered for the event. Luhut said that next year’s ISF is planned to be held in Bali with a bigger outreach//VOI

The Indonesia Climate and Growth Dialogue (ICGD) launch during the closing session of the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum 2024. (Photo : NK-VOI) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The Special Envoy for Climate Finance for the Republic of Indonesia, Mari Elka Pangestu, along with founding members Budi Djiwandono (Parliament), Shinta Kamdani (APINDO), Riki Frindos (Kehati), Masyita Crystallin (Systemiq), Nirata Samadhi (WRI Indonesia), Alin Halimatussadiah (LPEM-UI), William Sabandar (IBC), Dharsono Hartono (KADIN), and (CSIS), launched the Indonesia Climate and Growth Dialogue (ICGD) during the closing session of the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum 2024.

ICGD is a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration to provide input and contribute to strategic thinking and evidence, ensuring Indonesia achieves 6-8% economic growth that is green, blue, resilient, and inclusive. The ICGD has 3 key objectives.  

First is accelerating sub-sector development: Working together, the dialogue will provide strategic inputs on the development of critical sub-sectors in Indonesia that contribute to green growth, focusing on areas that drive growth, attract investment, and create jobs. 

This includes unpacking the growth opportunities in critical sectors like energy, industry, nature, oceans and the circular economy.

Second is scaling finance: We know that capital is not flowing fast enough or at scale to capture these opportunities. This is exacerbated by ongoing macro and geopolitical challenges, a high perception of country risk and a lack of project pipeline. This dialogue aims to concentrate our efforts on delivering and scaling financing solutions that are truly additional, tailored to real-world needs, and ready for implementation.

Third is identify and Activate Key Themes & Enablers: Our priority is to identify and activate the key themes and enablers that will drive our green growth agenda – working together with key players in each sector.

"The success of the Indonesia Climate and Growth Dialogue (ICGD) in driving Indonesia’s green growth and climate transition relies on strong collaboration and commitment from all stakeholders. By working together, we can ensure that Indonesia not only achieves sustainable economic growth but also leads the way in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change," said Mari Elka Pangestu, Chair of the Indonesia Climate and Growth
Dialogue (ICGD).

Indonesia Climate and Growth Dialogue (ICGD) serves as a space for multistakeholder convening to provide input and contribute to the thinking and evidence to ensure we can achieve 6-8% growth for Indonesia's prosperity that is green and blue, resilient and inclusive//VOI

Book Launch "Climate Action 101" at the venue of ISF 2024 on Friday September 6th 2024. (Photo : Kemenkomarves) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The Habibie Center, in collaboration with the Society of Renewable Energy, is proud to launch the first version of the book "Climate Action 101: Indonesia's Guide for Newbies" at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum 2024 held at the Jakarta Convention Center.

This book is aimed at Indonesia's young generation, providing important insights into climate change, its impacts and significance. In the midst of unprecedented environmental challenges and problems, "Climate Action 101" is a reference for the younger generation to gain an in-depth and practical understanding of climate issues in Indonesia.

At the launch of the book, Nadia Habibie, Secretary of the Management Board of The Habibie Center, and Aufar Satria, Commissioner of the Society of Renewable Energy Indonesia, presented the contents of the book to the audience.

Nadia Habibie emphasized the importance of youth involvement.

“We believe that addressing climate change is especially important for young people, for two reasons. First, we want to create a fair system where everyone is subject to a system of checks and balances, to ensure that the interests of all members of society are protected, especially those who are vulnerable. Second, climate change is already happening, and we must immediately take action to address it. This pressing issue demands our attention because of its long-term impact on our environment. As the younger generation, we will feel the impact of climate change."

Aufar Satria also highlighted the need for collective action.

“We need everyone's involvement to tackle climate change, especially the younger generation. Balancing greenhouse gas emissions with economic growth requires lifestyle changes, international collaboration, and addressing the green premium. We also need to address the financing gap to achieve net zero emissions. Green premium refers to the higher initial cost of implementing green technology. To address this, we must work together to reduce these costs as much as possible.”

Nadia Habibie further explains the purpose of this book.

“This book is designed to facilitate education about climate change, especially for the younger generation. This book encourages not only lifestyle adjustments, but also advocacy for a better environment and world. We will also compile this book in Indonesian."

Indonesia is a key player in the global sustainability landscape, because there are three main advantages that can help us grow as a nation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, namely:

1. Indonesia has abundant renewable energy sources, including solar and geothermal power.
2. Indonesia has important minerals needed to advance green technology, such as nickel and copper.
3. Indonesia has a significant carbon sink, meaning it can absorb more carbon dioxide than many other countries.

With the launch of this book, it is hoped that Indonesia's young generation will gain a deeper understanding of climate change and be motivated to actively participate in environmental protection efforts//VOI