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SDG Talks: Sustainable economy for Golden Indonesia 2045
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sustainable economy is a key pillar in the development of a nation. This concept emphasizes economic growth that does not harm the environment, preserves natural resources and ensures long-term social welfare. In addition, a sustainable economy strives to ensure that future generations can meet their needs. This idea aligns with achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) numbers four (quality education), eight (economic growth) and nine (industry, innovation and infrastructure).
As a country located on the equator, Indonesia has great potential to implement a sustainable economy through approaches such as the green economy, blue economy and circular economy. Recognizing this opportunity, the SDG Academy Indonesia, in collaboration with Pemimpin.id, with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Indonesia, Tanoto Foundation and Bappenas, held its SDG Talk with the theme of “Education and Innovation in Realizing a Sustainable Economy”.
The speakers included Yanuar Nugroho (coordinator of the expert team at the National Secretariat of SDGs, Bappenas), Hannah Al Rashid (actress and gender equality activist) and Zensa Rahman (Pemimpin.id). The discussion was moderated by Jessica Farolan (co-owner of Aethra Learning Center), and included both in-person and online audiences in exploring Indonesia's role in achieving a sustainable economy through education and innovation.
In his opening remarks, Siprianus Bate Soro, team leader of the Democratic Governance and Poverty Reduction Unit at UNDP Indonesia, emphasized that the SDG Talk serves as an effective platform to raise awareness and initiate dialogue.
"We hope this SDG Talk becomes an opportunity for the Indonesian public to learn about, understand and act upon the SDGs, increasing their engagement and driving sustainable economic growth toward Golden Indonesia 2045 vision," he said.
Meanwhile, Michael Susanto, head of leadership development and scholarship at the Tanoto Foundation stressed the importance of educational facilities and innovation in maximizing Indonesia's sustainable economic potential.
"Education is a key avenue for nurturing talent for a sustainable economy. Therefore, educational transformation that encourages behaviors which support a sustainable economy are essential,” he said.
"Innovation is the primary catalyst for economic growth. The creative economy sector represented a 6.54 percent increase in Indonesia's GDP in 2022, with the digital and technology subsectors playing a significant role in supporting inclusivity and sustainable economic growth," said Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, Social Affairs and Poverty Alleviation expert staff at Bappenas, as well as the head of the National Secretariat of SDGs.
"In Indonesia, the adoption and concept of a sustainable economy have existed since the 1970s. A sustainable economy represents a paradigm shift—development should not be anthropocentric in its focus, but ecocentric, placing living creatures and the environment at the forefront," said Yanuar.
The SDG Talk also marked the culmination of the Sustainable Economy Campaign organized in celebration of International Literacy Day and the 2024 SDG Annual Conference. The event recognized the winners of the “Empowering Future Leaders: The Role of Education and Innovation in Realizing a Sustainable Economy” writing competition hosted by the SDG Academy Indonesia.
From a pool of 10 finalists in the student category, and 10 finalists in the public category, the winners were announced. In the public category, Ilma Indana Sari took first place, followed by Rinda Gusvita in second and Debby Zalina in third place. In the student category, Muhammad Firas Haq secured first place, followed by Puan Maharani in second and Nadya Ursula in third. Honorable mentions were awarded to Ferdinand Limahelu (public category) and Ayu Ratna (student category).
On the same day, 39 graduates from the sixth cohort of the SDG Leadership Program were conferred the title of SDG-Certified Leader. These graduates, coming from various sectors such as private companies, government, academia and NGOs/CSOs, specialized in two areas: quality education and poverty alleviation. Over a period of five months, from April to August 2024, the participants underwent intensive learning with instructors. These graduates are expected to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs in their respective regions and institutions.
As part of the SDG Leadership Program graduation, three capstone projects received special recognition. Best Capstone Project was awarded to Nine Loyok for a project that expanded market access for woven products made by women artisans in Lombok. The Most Valuable Project award went to Edu Empati for its peacemaking education and anti-bullying initiative in schools in Bekasi, West Java and the Most Favorite Project award went to Patani Unik for its urban farming campaign using aquaponics in Muara Enim, South Sumatra.
With this opportunity, Indonesia is increasingly prepared to realize a sustainable economy toward the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision with education and innovation as the foundations of inclusive and sustainable development.
