The Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development together with Amartha held a Webinar entitled “Empowering Women’s Economic” on Thursday, December 17, 2021, virtually. This event was held to commemorate Mother’s Day to encourage the role of empowering women through MSMEs and education.

In her speech, IBCSD President, Shinta W. Kamdani “The commemoration of Mother’s Day every December 22 is not only regarded as a special day to honor to women who have contributed significantly in taking care of the household and family. But it should also be a moment to encourage the role of women in development and the economy. Women who are empowered can enhance their quality of life on their own. So that they may not only support their families but also contribute to the global economy.”

In line with the remarks, Assistant Deputy for Gender Mainstreaming in the Economic Sector, Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (MoWECP), Eni Widiyanti said that “According to the Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum in 2021, Indonesia is currently ranked 101 out of 156 countries. This indicates that gender inequality in Indonesia is still high and there are still obstacles for Indonesian women to get their rights. Of the half of Indonesia’s female population, 102.3 million are women of productive age. However, from our data, it was found that there were 57.4% of women who initially worked had to leave because she is free to take care of the household. This is something that needs to be considered so that there is a program that can empower these women and overcome their poverty.”

Eni said that as one of MoWECP’s priorities for Increasing Women’s Empowerment in MSMEs still has several problems. This can be an opportunity for multi-sectoral cooperation such as MSME partnership cooperation, access to MSME financing, and the use of technology in running their business. For this reason, currently, MoWECP has created the concept of entrepreneurship training with a gender perspective to realize empowered women, protecting children, and advanced Indonesia.

For this reason, Amartha, a fintech pioneer of peer-to-peer lending, comes with a special intervention to help overcome the gap in women’s empowerment, especially in the economic sector with a financial inclusion strategy in the form of working capital and assistance.

“Through the Amartha platform, we connect financiers from the public and banks who want to help women micro-entrepreneurs in rural areas. By working together, these mothers can be independent and provide welfare for their families. In addition, Amartha also assists in adopting digital literacy to be more digitally proficient. In the future, the development of financial inclusion cannot be separated from digital literacy so that it can be separated so as not to create new gaps.” Amartha’s Chief Risk and Sustainability Officer, Aria Widyanto said.

“Education, Economics, Health, and Politics are significant factors in the actualization of women,” noted Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, Deputy for Economics at the Ministry of National Development Planning.

According to studies, the more educated women are, the more likely they are to participate in the labor force. She can develop a better and higher-quality generation as a result of his confidence. Of course, access to decent formal job facilities, women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, and encouragement to increase education all help to promote this. So that the Glass Ceiling and Sticky Floor stigmas in the workplace are no longer an impediment to women exploring themselves as assets for the country’s growth.

Melanie Masriel, L’Oreal Indonesia’s Communication, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Director, shared best practices for their sustainable programs such as Beauty for Better Life, which provides vocational training in makeup and hairdressing, L’Oreal-UNESCO scholarships for Women in Science, solidarity sourcing, and STANDUP against harassment of women in public, which aims to increase women’s self-confidence and stan

Women encounter several challenges in achieving independence. Economic obstacles are influenced not just by societal standards or gender norms, but also by education and access to knowledge. Several governments and industry programs have been established to guarantee that women have equal chances to enhance their living conditions and encourage gender equality. So that they may contribute to their family and the country’s progress.

With the Empowering Women’s Economic webinar in collaboration with Amartha, it is hoped to stimulate collaboration between parties to empower women in Indonesia.

Look back at the discussion here: Empowering Women’s Economic Webinar

For more webinar videos, please access https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk2fo2_O-6E

To download the material, please go to https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1m5_EGbEMnrSEue_eYOBWME8scz4AeKVf

climate change adaptation and mitigation among private sector, the Indonesia Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) collaborated in conducting a virtual webinar “What net zero emission means for the private sector” (14/12). This event is part of a bigger IBCSD initiative entitled  “Towards Net Zero Emission” to encourage business leadership and collective action in initiating a concrete long-term plan toward a low-carbon economy and net zero emission by following the government’s goals.

Following the Paris Agreement, which was revisited at COP26, the number of companies declaring their commitment to net-zero emissions and taking action to tackle climate change has tripled globally. At least one of the world’s five largest publicly traded companies has committed to zero net emissions by 2050.[1]

In her remarks as the President of IBCSD, Shinta W Kamdani stated, “As we all know, Indonesia is striving for low-carbon economic development by expanding measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change. To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in line with global business trends and national targets, IBCSD and KADIN will work together to raise public awareness and understanding of the necessity of the NZE transition, promote business leadership and collective action, and collaborate among diverse stakeholders. The discussion today is intended to be one of the milestones that contribute to the private sector managing Net Zero Emissions in order to establish a sustainable economy.”

In her remarks at the Webinar “Journey Towards Net Zero Emission (NZE): What Does NZE Mean for Private Sector?” which was held virtually by IBCSD (13/12), the Director-General of Climate Change Control, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ir. Laksmi Dhewanti, MA explained, “Through the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target, Indonesia has committed to reducing GHG emissions by up to 41% by 2030 with the support of international partnership. Indonesia’s unconditional target of 29 % NDC has been dispersed to five key sectors, including forestry and other land uses, energy, waste, industry process, and agriculture. The most significant contributors to the NDC objectives are the forestry and energy industries. The Long-Term Strategy on Low Carbon and Climate Resilience (LTS-LCCR) was developed with a long-term policy strategy in mind until 2050. This document provides guidance on how to set NDC and policy reform goals in light of current developments and demands. In essence, this endeavor is not just the responsibility of the government, but it also emphasizes the importance of all stakeholders’ contributions. As a result, we encourage the participation of various stakeholders, particularly the private sector in the implementation of the NDC and the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy. More collaboration and networking hopefully will occur as a result of this event to meet NDC goals.”

As for several steps that have been taken by the government for low-carbon development, the Director of the Environment of the Ministry of National Development Planning/BAPPENAS, Ir. Medrilzam stated “Currently undergoing a green economic transformation is based on the premise of low carbon development. According to the Bappenas scenario, the green economy is expected to increase per capita income by about 6% in Indonesia Emas 2045. Indonesia will need massive investments of around 3-5% of GDP every year from now on to achieve the NZE. The government will be unable to finance all of them. As a result, the government provides fiscal tax incentives and import taxes for New Renewable Energy (NRE) Developers, as well as non-fiscal incentives like as license liberalization and prizes, to encourage private sector economic engagement. However, there are still risks of stranded assets, planning for green employment migration, and knowledge and innovation transfer. Indonesia will only become a market for technology from wealthy countries if we do not significantly innovate on technology.

On the same occasion, Executive Director of Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), Fabby Tumiwa added, “Business may implement four solutions; the first of which is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through RNE, electrification, and the use of clean energy sources in response to increasing emissions from the sector. If we want to attain Net Zero Emissions by 2030, renewable energy should account for at least half of the primary energy supply. As a result, companies should conduct an inventory of their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, set explicit objectives, and provide measurable transparency of target performance to the public in order to match the corporate NZE aim with the Paris Agreement target in 2030.”

Seeing this, Regional Lead – Commit to Action (CTA) Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Amelia Tan said, “In order to attain NZE, businesses must have science-based targets, both short and long-term by making adjustments in terms of emission residual mitigation and neutralization. The Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) will assists your business in determining how much and how rapidly it can cut greenhouse gas emissions while also driving actual action in its operations. The International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) has produced financial reporting sustainability disclosure requirements that have been incorporated with state and stakeholder regulations referencing the SBTi.”

Apart from the government, a low-emissions transition also needs to be carried out by the private sector. Head of Commission on Climate Change KADIN, Dharsono Hartono explained “The issue of Net Zero Emission isn’t going away anytime soon. KADIN has 7 priority focusing on decarbonization of diverse private sectors to support the Presidential Decree on the Economic Value of Carbon, which is based on the NZE objectives of countries and businesses. One of them by concentrating on restoration and conservation initiatives which represents a significant potential for Indonesia. We believe that Indonesia has 300 billion tons of CO2 stored, which might be the country’s entry point into the carbon market. In this context, KADIN has begun to carry out many activities as a government business partner, including webinars, working on the sale of domestic carbon credits that can assist the government in meeting NDC objectives, and pushing for public-private partnerships.”

Joining the session as discussant, Azis Armand, Vice President and Group CEO of Indika Energy explained “Indika, as a holding company with an 80% coal energy portfolio, considers the crucial need to decarbonize its operations and portfolio to decrease its carbon footprint. Indika focuses on transferring energy to solar panels and mobile combustion fossil fuels to electric automobiles in its operations. Indika has divested high-carbon assets and invested in low-carbon economies in our asset portfolio. We believe Indika can reach net zero emissions in 2050 by achieving a 20% decrease in emissions in 2025 and a 40% utilization of renewable energy technologies in 2030.”

Meanwhile Deputy Director of APRIL Group’s Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, Dian Novarina shared, “With four pillars, the APRIL Group aspires to move to NZE by 2030. One of these is a positive climate target that includes net zero emissions from land usage, increasing the use of renewable energy in fiber operations to 50% and mill operations to 90%, and decreasing carbon emissions in all products to 25%. All APRIL 2030 commitments have precise indicators that make them measurable, auditable, and transparent.”

Desi Anwar, the webinar moderator concluded 2050 Net Zero Emission is a collective goal to which all stakeholders must commit in energy transition plan, collaborate in innovation, technology, and investment, and transparent reporting as well as calculations. Net Zero Emission is not only the responsibility of one corporation or one country, but of the entire globe as residents of the planet.

Rewatch the discussion here: A Journey Towards NZE: What does NZE Mean for Private Sector?

For further the webinar video, please access https://rebrand.ly/VideoNZE2021

To download the material, please go through https://rebrand.ly/MateriNZE2021

IBCSD member, PT Wasteforchange Alam Indonesia (Waste4Change)has just celebrated its 7th Anniversary. Closing the series of celebrations, Waste4Change held the “Award4Change 2021” as a recognition for the implementation of responsible waste management by companies and government institutions. In this event, Waste4Change also gave lifetime achievement awards to two figures who inspired solid waste in Indonesia. Award4Change 2021 which was attended by the Director of Waste Management of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Novrizal Tahar, Managing Director of Waste4Change Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano, President of IBCSD Shinta Kamdani, Chairman of MVB Alistair Speirs, Ciliwung Care Community Activist Suparno Jumar, and Founder of The BGBJ Bantar Gebang Resa Boenard, as well as award recipients from waste companies, organizations, and institutions.

Award4Change is an annual event held by Waste4Change as a form of appreciation for clients, partners, and partners from both the private and government sectors. There are 10 categories with a total of 27 recognition: Most Zero-Waste to Landfill, Most Reduce-Waste to Landfill, Most Responsible Brand, Local Initiator of the Year, Community Empowerment Project Highlights, Ecotourism Project Highlights, Research Project Highlights, Low-Value Plastic Collection Project Highlights, Best Recycling Partner, Great Collaboration, and the Waste Warrior lifetime achievement category.

“Through the Award4Change 2021, we would like to appreciate to companies that have made their best efforts in waste management responsibilities. Start from ensuring the supply chain runs optimally at every stage to minimize waste generation, using environmentally friendly packaging to increase recycling value, ensuring partners and consumers are involved in waste reduction and management,” said Waste4Change Managing Director, Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano (Sano)

“In its 7th year, Waste4Change has managed 8,424 tons of waste. Our waste transportation services have reached 2,828 families in two residential areas as well as 68 client companies in 114 location points. Waste4Change has also run 227 community assistance projects, research, and waste management training, with a total of 514,306 direct beneficiaries spread throughout Indonesia. We were able to achieve all of that because of the support from our clients, partners, partners, and activists for solutions to solid waste issues who continue to struggle with us,” said Sano.

Source : https://waste4change.com/blog/award4change-2021-an-appreciation-to-responsible-waste-management-initiative/

Founded with three pillars to empower women, promote culture, and improve livelihood, Du Anyam started its work in East Flores otherwise known as the least developed parts of the country. During its growth, it also maintains the same principle in reaching out to different rural districts across Indonesia. These forgotten areas typically deal with high counts of mother and child mortality rate, malnutrition, along other complex economic issues.

It’s without saying that Du Anyam is compelled to take part in the SDG by taking the weaving community further into globalization through long-term social and business programs. Of the 17 goals listed in the Global SDG Programs, Du Anyam has been able to pinpoint the 4 most relevant ones which are to fight poverty, establish good health and well-being of the community, support gender equality, and strive for decent work, and economic growth.

The idea of eliminating poverty is one of the most successful goals by Du Anyam with an increase of over 40% income-generating weavers and counting. It’s notable that by providing work opportunities through authentic weaving products, these women are self-sufficient in the long term rather than a one-off financial program. The weavers also benefit from a supply chain system where Du Anyam positions itself as the off-takers, picking up goods rather than having the women deliver goods which saves delivery costs in their favour.

As for establishing good health and well-being of the community, Du Anyam has an ongoing Malnutrition Intervention Program which also touches on the root problem of healthcare issues. This program addresses the mindset of mothers through a behavioural intervention approach.

The ongoing education revolves around the key facts such as the importance of nutrition in the 1000 days of life for their children, tapping into the nutrition of locally grown foods, cooking and preparing foods, nourishing themselves, and encouraging hygienic lifestyles – ultimately increasing the well-being of the community.

With women weavers as the arsenal of weaving businesses who constantly receive skills upgrades, Du Anyam is proud to be one of the faces for women empowerment as well as helping them boost their economic power. More regeneration programs are also in action where they

are learning weaving techniques as well as other soft managerial skills, including financial and digital literacy.

The SDG has kicked off an excellent map with feasible points for all development sectors. To take part as an IBCSD, Du Anyam is committed to hitting more of the existing points and implementing them as an integral part of the business. With the firm foundation of social values, Du Anyam is set to improve its business blueprint where SDG goals will merge into it naturally and effortlessly.

Indah Budiani, Executive Director of IBCSD, stated in her opening remarks the current goal of COP26 is to assure the successful and impactful accomplishment of net-zero emissions through several initiatives and investment funds, which GRASP 2030 contributes. This is in line with the UN Food System Summit’s fives areas of action which aimed to accelerate the accomplishment of SDGs. Meanwhile, in the action tracks number 1 of the UN Food System Summit, Nourish All People, the action is not only focused on providing inexpensive and safe food but also on reducing food waste and loss. Therefore, IBCSD appreciates the signatories’ commitments who have joined GRASP 2030 and strives to facilitate all signatories with experienced practitioners to be able to implement their actions through the initial phase of GRASP 2030.

During the session, Michael Jones, International Partnership Manager WRAP, and Bryan Citrasena, Project Manager GRASP 2030 explained about GRASP 2030 Governance, reviewing the Voluntary Agreement model where the signatories were involved in several working groups with the same views on the objectives, activities, resources, and time to achieve the Target-Measure-Act approach and form a collaboration between signatories in the FLW reduction project. With the working groups, the signatories will be more focused on adopting and implementing their FLW action plan and make the most contribution to the initiatives that will be carried out. From this session the signatories are expected to have more understanding for the next steps, starting from the governance of the program, the establishment of a team, and the principle of Target-Measure-Act to deliver their commitment in reducing FLW through GRASP 2030.

Since its launch on September 8, 2021, the number of GRASP signatories has increased to 14 participants, including the Core Signatories; PT East West Seed, PT Multi Bintang Indonesia, Nutrifood, Sintesa Group, PT Kalbe Nutritionals, and Superindo. Meanwhile, Associate Signatories consist of Catalyze, Foodcycle, Waste4Change, Surplus, WRI Indonesia, Laskar Bumi Pertiwi, Srikandi Harmoni Bumi and Indonesia Food and Beverage Executive Association (IFBEC).

The second Onboarding Session will be held on the 23^rd November for the Core Signatories and 24^th November for the Associate Signatories. This next session aims to identify what Signatories can contribute to GRASP 2030 objectives and what support is available from GRASP 2030.

The event was opened by Arsjad Rasjid, Chairman of Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), H.E. Yasonna H. Laoly, Minister of Law and Human Rights,  Vincent Piket, EU Ambassador of Indonesia and Brunei, and Sophie Kemkhadze, Deputy Resident Representative UNDP Indonesia.

In the opening remarks, Sophie Kemkhadze, Deputy Resident Representative UNDP Indonesia stated that 7.5 million Indonesians lost their jobs. It was devastating but we all need to focus on the opportunity to take a chance to rebuild our economy by creating more jobs and protecting human rights as a responsible business. Arsjad Rasjid, Chairman of KADIN also stated KADIN as the organization for all industry plays an active role in helping the government by carrying out the battle of social, economic, and health by having a CEO Forum discussion to explore the impact of the increasing momentum of the business and human rights narrative on business finance strategy and practice.

H.E. Yasonna H. Laoly, Minister of Law and Human Rights conveyed that the human rights principle during a pandemic is crucial and should be prioritized by businesses. The companies can refer to United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) which describe the role and responsibilities for state and companies normative frameworks and implementation procedures.  Vincent Piket, EU Ambassador of Indonesia and Brunei also agreed with Yasonna’s remarks. He added every stakeholder in the country has to collaborate and support each other to face the pandemic and build new resilience.

Later on the event, Livio Sarandrea, Business and Human Rights Advisor UNDP; Yono Reksoprodjo, Vice President of Corporate Affairs Sintesa Group; Anne Patricia Sutanto, Vice CEO PT Pan Brothers, Tbk, Sera Noviany Sustainability Manager APP Sinarmas, and Evie Yulin, President Director PT Merck, Tbk were joined on the panel discussions on human rights due diligence practices within the Indonesia business.

Livio reflects the growth of responsible business globally in Asia and grew very fast in the 5 years as well as Indonesia. It was shown by the involvement and knowledge of CEO’s in human rights as business actors. UNGP now are helping Indonesian companies to enlarge what they understand about humans right to the next step of implementation on the business thought capacity building training.

As IBCSD members are concerned, Sintesa Group addresses human rights as a benefit to achieving SDGs. While PAN Brother conducts HRDD by valuing humanity based on i-PAN and Pancasila. As well as APP Sinar Mas respects human rights through Sustainability Roadmap Vision, Forest Conservation Policy on Social Commitment, Employee Welfare, and Business Code and Conduct. Merck identified the priorities towards access to health, community, product stewardship, security, and workplace as the principle of HRDD processes. One of the common challenges in implementing HRDD in business was to have the same understanding and awareness.

At the end of the panel session, the business agreed that companies in Indonesia are open to mandatory or voluntary basis regulations for implementing HRDD. However, the business expects collaboration with the government to achieve stakeholder readiness in implementing regulations through policymaker engagement, private sector discussions, partnerships, socialization, and clarity of detailed guidelines in order to have the same understanding of the impact on the business and society.

Rewatch the Forum on https://rebrand.ly/CEOForum8Sept21