The Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD) together with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF) and the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) held a webinar themed “Pathways to National Climate Resilience” on August 13, 2020, supported by APRIL, PT Vale Indonesia, GGGI and L’Oreal Indonesia.

Presented as a response to post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts, this webinar highlighted aspects of environmental recovery in addition to economic and social aspects. The private sector is expected to contribute more massively and support the government’s agenda in addressing the impacts of climate change and realizing an inclusive and sustainable economy.

The event was officially opened by Dr. Ir. Ruandha Agung Sugardiman, M.Sc., Director General of Climate Change at MoEF, who explained Indonesia’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the importance of contribution and active involvement of all components of the nation. Sihol Aritonang as Chairman of IBCSD in his remarks encouraged the role and involvement of the private sector to protect, restore and use natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The webinar also featured Abu Ashar, Director of Environment and Energy, PT Vale Indonesia, and Marcel Silvius, Country Representative of GGGI Indonesia as key speakers, as well as Prof. Dr. Emil Salim, former Minister of Population and Environment, and Gita Syahrani, Executive Director of Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari as responders.

Post-pandemic green growth planning is critical, as well as investment in pro-nature solutions, such as community-based sustainable agroforestry and the revitalization of degraded rural areas, such as peatlands. Serious action and the participation of all parties are urgently needed to help Indonesia carve the pathways to national climate resilience.