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Indonesia aims to increase SDG achievement through cross-country partnerships
In recent years, awareness about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has increased, as the world tries to grapple with the effects of climate change.
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Photos courtesy of Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration.
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n recent years, awareness about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has increased, as the world tries to grapple with the effects of climate change. Indonesia, a country that is no stranger to environmental disasters, has also made significant strives to achieve SDGs at all levels of government.
Given that it affects multiple stakeholders, cross-country global action is needed to achieve the SDGs, which are currently targeted to be achieved by 2030. The need for transformative action was relayed by Ivanovich Agusta, the head of the Development and Information Agency of the Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Ministry, at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2023, at the UN General Assembly Room, New York, the United States, on July 10.
The theme for this year's ministerial meeting is the theme of Accelerating Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels. It was attended by delegates from 196 countries.
In line with the theme, Indonesia showcased the astounding results of achieving several goals at both the national, regional, and village levels. Moreover, the country had the opportunity to present a seminar entitled Driving Changes at the Local Level: Innovative Approaches to Localize SDGs.
"Indonesia realizes that, to support action, important data to inform more precise decision-making is often not available," said Ivanovich. "Therefore, strategic, global and multi-stakeholder collaboration is needed to ensure the availability of data, including regarding best practices as a data-based policy-making approach."
However, approaches may differ, as Indonesia has a vast expanse of land and population across the archipelago. In order to cover the country, financial support must be part of the approach, whether from the local government or outside sources. Innovative financing, such as green bonds and SDG bonds, has the potential to close the financing gap. Indonesia itself is in the process of issuing sukuk as an innovative form of sharia financing, which can be utilized globally.
"At the local level, Indonesia has optimized village funds to support the achievement of the SDGs. Indonesia also continues to promote green investment policies, improve the investment climate and advance research, development and green technology," Ivanovich further attested.
A problem that has taken center-stage in Indonesia is the ack of food security, which in itself is a global threat. The government has taken necessary steps to try to ease the obstacle, by optimizing food supply through food-production centers, improving the national logistics system to close price gaps and strengthening farmer and fisherman partnerships with modern retail businesses to shorten supply chains.
Furthermore, the country is also increasing production of national food crops through a strategy of opening up additional land, intensifying existing land and creating ecosystems to replace traditional staple foods. The solutions are expected to ensure that healthy food is accessible to all levels of the public.
The ministerial meeting at the UN headquarters provides an opportunity to strengthen global commitments at the highest level. This commitment ensures the provision of means of implementation, such as financing, capacity building, transfer of technology and knowledge, science, technology and innovation, to enhance global partnerships.
"Indonesia hopes to work with all countries and stakeholders in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs," concluded Ivanovich.
This article was published in collaboration with Ministry of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration
