A sustainable economy is a key element in a country's development. This concept emphasizes economic growth that is environmentally friendly, conserves natural resources, and ensures long-term social welfare. Furthermore, a sustainable economy strives to ensure that future generations can meet their needs. This concept aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Economic Growth), and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

As a country located on the equator, Indonesia has significant potential to implement a Sustainable Economy through Green Economy, Blue Economy, and Circular Economy approaches. Recognizing this opportunity, SDG Academy Indonesia, along with Pemimpin.id, with support from UNDP Indonesia, the Tanoto Foundation, and Bappenas, held an SDG Talk on Education and Innovation in Achieving a Sustainable Economy.

In this discussion, Yanuar Nugroho (Expert Team Coordinator, SDGs National Secretariat, Bappenas), Hannah Al Rashid (Actress and Gender Equality Campaigner), and Zensa Rahman (Pemimpin.id) were present as speakers, with Jessica Farolan (Co-Owner of Aethra Learning Center) as moderator. The speakers invited the audience, both in person and online, to discuss the contribution of the Indonesian people to realizing a Sustainable Economy through education and innovation.

Siprianus Bate Soro, Team Leader of the Democratic Governance Poverty Reduction Unit - UNDP Indonesia, in his remarks stated that the SDG Talk is an effective platform for raising awareness and opening dialogue regarding the SDGs. "We hope that the SDG Talk will provide an opportunity for the Indonesian people to learn about, understand, and take action to achieve the SDGs. It can also increase public engagement in the SDGs, thereby encouraging sustainable economic development towards a Golden Indonesia 2045," he concluded.

On the other hand, Michael Susanto, Head of Leadership Development and Scholarship Tanoto Foundation, explained that, "Education is a way to design talents for the Sustainable Economy, therefore it is necessary to transform education that focuses on changes in behavior that support a sustainable economy," highlighting the importance of supporting educational facilities and innovation to maximize the potential of the Sustainable Economy in Indonesia.

Bappenas, represented by Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, Expert Staff to the Minister of Bappenas for Social Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Head of the Bappenas National Secretariat for SDGs, added, "Innovation is a key catalyst for economic growth. The creative economy sector's economic growth reached 6.54% of Indonesia's GDP in 2022. The digital and technology sub-sector plays a significant role in supporting inclusivity and a sustainable economy," he said.

Representing the speakers, Mr. Yanuar Nugroho in the SDG Talk said that "in Indonesia, the adoption and idea of a sustainable economy have existed since 1970. A sustainable economy is a paradigm shift that development cannot only be for ourselves or anthropocentric but must be ecocentric, placing living things and the environment as the main focus," he explained.

Awards for Winners of the SDGs Leadership Program Writing Competition and Graduation Ceremony, Batch VI

The SDG Talk also marked the conclusion of the Sustainable Economy campaign held in celebration of International Literacy Day and the 2024 SDG Annual Conference. The event also marked the culmination of the SDG Academy Indonesia Writing Competition, themed Empowering Future Leaders: The Role of Education and Innovation in Achieving a Sustainable Economy. Of the 10 finalists in the student category and 10 finalists in the public category, awards were given to Ilma Indana Sari, Rinda Gusvita, and Debby Zalina as the first, second, and third place winners for the public category. For the student category, Muhammad Firas Haq, Puan Maharani, and Nadya Ursula won first, second, and third place, respectively. Honorable Mention awards were also given to Ferdinand Limahelu (public category) and Ayu Ratna (student category).

On the same day, 39 graduates of the sixth batch of the SDGs Leadership Program graduated and received the title of SDG-Certified Leader. Graduates of this program come from various sectors, including the private sector, government, academia, and NGOs/CSOs, and are grouped in two specializations: Quality Education and Poverty Alleviation. For five months, from April to August 2024, they underwent an intensive learning process accompanied by instructors and mentors. Graduates are expected to make a real contribution to achieving the SDGs in their respective regions and institutions. More information about the sixth batch of graduates of the SDGs Leadership Program can be accessed in this graduate list.

Through the SDGs Leadership Program Graduation, three Capstone Projects received awards, namely the Best Capstone Project Category was awarded to Nine Loyok (a project related to expanding market access for woven products produced by women artisans in Lombok), the Most Valuable Project was awarded to Edu Empati (a project related to Anti-Bullying Peace Education in schools in Bekasi), and the Most Favorite Project was awarded to Patani Unik (an Urban Farming Campaign project with an Aquaponic System in Muara Enim, South Sumatra).

With this spirit, Indonesia is increasingly ready to realize a Sustainable Economy towards Golden Indonesia 2045, through education and innovation as the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development.

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