Green Economy Forum Drives Cross-Sector Collaboration Towards Sustainable Development
Amidst the increasing threats of climate crisis, environmental degradation, and global economic uncertainty, the concept of a green economy has become an urgent necessity rather than mere academic discourse. Indonesia stands at a critical juncture in determining its future development path: whether to persist with old exploitative economic patterns or begin transitioning towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development model.
This awareness has driven the Padjadjaran University Alumni Association (IKA Unscale) to initiate the Green Economy Forum (FEH), a cross-sector collaborative platform designed to strengthen dialogue, ideas, and synergy towards sustainable development in Indonesia. The forum is scheduled to launch on 17 June 2026 in Jakarta, featuring national figures, academics, policymakers, industry players, and civil society communities.
Globally, the green economy concept has become a primary focus for many nations. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines a green economy as one that enhances human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcity. Similarly, the World Bank has introduced the approach of ‘inclusive green growth’, which emphasises efficient natural resource use, minimal pollution, and resilience against environmental changes and disaster risks. The common thread across these concepts is that economic growth must continue without sacrificing the environment or future generations.
In the Indonesian context, the urgency of a green economy is increasingly evident. Indonesia possesses vast natural resources, tropical forests, renewable energy potential, and a demographic bonus that could serve as significant capital for the future economy. However, the nation also faces serious threats including flooding, water crises, air pollution, deforestation, extreme weather, and an economic dependence on the exploitation of raw natural resources.
Dr. (HC) Ir. Burhanuddin Abdullah, M.A., Chairman of the IKA Unpad Advisory Board, believes Indonesia no longer has time to delay the transition to a sustainable economy. “The cost of maintaining the old development model today is actually much higher than the cost of transitioning to a green economy. We must view the green economy not as a burden, but as a massive opportunity to create new economic growth and new jobs, while ensuring the nation’s sustainability,” he stated.
According to Burhanuddin, the transition to a green economy will also determine Indonesia’s global competitiveness. The international community increasingly demands low-carbon, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible industrial practices. “In the future, countries capable of adapting to the green economy will be the winners of the global economy. Indonesia has great potential, but cross-sector collaboration is required so that this transformation does not proceed partially.”
Yhodhisman Soratha, Secretary General of the IKA Unpad Central Executive, explained that the forum was established as a strategic space to bring together various perspectives in formulating Indonesia’s developmental future. “The Green Economy Forum is expected to be an open and productive dialogue space between the government, academia, the business world, communities, and the younger generation. Sustainability challenges cannot be solved by a single sector alone.”
While initially launching as part of the IKA Unpad ecosystem, the forum is intended to evolve into an independent platform for public discussion on green policies, sustainable innovation, and Indonesia’s economic transformation. The launch will feature prominent national figures and experts, including Dr. Ferry Juliantono (Minister of Cooperatives), Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa (Minister of Finance), and Moh. Jumhur Hidayat (Minister of Environment), among others.
Dr. Ferdian Agustiana, Chairman of the Green Economy Forum and Corporate Transformation Group Head of PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia, emphasised that discussions on the green economy must be translated into concrete and measurable steps. “We often speak about sustainability at a conceptual level, yet the challenges we face are very concrete. Therefore, the Green Economy Forum aims to encourage more applicative and collaborative discussions that produce real recommendations.”