IO – The Greeneration Foundation once again held an Indonesia Circular Economy Forum (ICEF) for the third time at the Pullman Hotel Jakarta, 11-12 November 2019. The forum, set upon the theme “Towards a Sustainable Future through Circular Business Practices”, was intended to accelerate the implementation of a circular economy in Indonesia.
Generation Foundation Founder M. Bijaksana Junerosano stressed the need for Indonesian state policy to integrate Long-Term and Medium-Term Plans with economic, environmental and social policies in the effort to realize SDGs. “Change into a circular economy requires the participation of all parties. Through this forum, we present a variety of speakers who will help identify challenges and potentials of the circular economy in Indonesia,” he promised.
In his opening remarks, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut B. Pandjaitan observed that implementing a circular economy in our current economic condition offers Indonesia various advantages, such as adding value.
Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Norwegian Embassy Mr. Bjamar Dahl Hotvedt said “The use of efficient data sources is very logical economically; therefore, the government must actively promote the development of the circular economy as an absolute prerequisite for creating a prosperous society, while protecting our planet. A circular economy is a future projection, one that will not happen soon; therefore, we need examples, inspiration, and mutual learning. This is what we will get from Indonesia Circular Economy Forum, and that is also the reason why this forum is important.”
EU Ambassador to Indonesia HE Vincent Piket said, “The transition from linear concepts to circular economy is the only step towards the future. The earth’s ecosystem has already carried such a huge burden. Currently humans have used the earth’s resources 1.7 times more than can be replaced naturally. Circular Economy has become a major element in industrial activity and the economic strategy of the European Union. In the midst of a world with limited resources, the transition to a circular economy is also very likely to occur in Indonesia. We can work together to accelerate and facilitate these changes, together. “
In line with Norway and the European Union, the Danish Ambassador to Indonesia, HE Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen stressed “Now we have a better understanding that circular flow ultimately inspires innovative ways of designing, producing, building and consuming material, which can ultimately reduce the amount of waste. This can create new opportunities for the private sector, and in the long run can reduce state expenditure related to waste management. This is certainly very good for the economy. Therefore, I feel happy with the collaboration between Denmark and Indonesia in this agenda. This is why Denmark is committed to contributing to studies that explore the potential of Indonesia in implementing the concept of the Circular Economy,” he explained.
PRAISE Chairperson, Sinta Kaniawati, added, “The transition from a linear economy to a circular economy brings challenges as well as opportunities for Extended Stakeholder Responsibility (ESR), namely Industry, Government and Society. PRAISE believes that post-consumption packaging has a major role in the circular economic chain. Strategic and systemic post-consumption packaging handling will not only prevent environmental degradation, but also open up investment and employment opportunities, while from the industrial sector, the circular economy can help businesses run sustainably and responsibly, PRAISE has been an ICEF partner since the first forum, which is held, to invite stakeholders to collaborate with each other and support the implementation of the circular economy in Indonesia. “ (Haris Winarto, Editor:BB)