Indonesia Urges ASEAN to Strengthen Regional Green Economy Cooperation
JAKARTA — The Indonesian Government is urging Southeast Asian nations to strengthen green economy cooperation to ensure the region’s economic growth remains sustainable and does not compromise environmental conservation.
This initiative was presented by Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti during the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat and Related Meetings held in the Philippines on 11–13 March 2026.
“ASEAN has significant opportunity to become a centre for green economic growth in the region,” Roro said in an official statement on Monday (16 March 2026).
“To achieve this, closer collaboration among member states is necessary,” she added.
According to her, economic activities in Southeast Asia must not only grow and develop, but must also proceed in tandem with environmental protection and provide inclusive benefits for communities.
Therefore, economic growth is considered necessary to be accompanied by commitment to green transition, strengthening circular economy, and achieving carbon neutrality targets in the future.
Roro believes this policy direction is important so that regional economic development does not impose excessive pressure on natural resources.
Several of these initiatives include the Framework for Circular Economy for the ASEAN Economic Community, the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality, and the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework.
Roro believes these various initiatives reflect ASEAN member states’ commitment to ensuring economic development proceeds in line with efforts to protect the environment and ensure sustainable natural resources.
“Closer collaboration among member states is required to accelerate the implementation of green economy policies, strengthen sustainable investment, and ensure inclusive energy transition,” said Roro.
She added that Indonesia will continue to actively promote the sustainability agenda in the ASEAN region.
“With this step, ASEAN can ensure that the region’s economic growth remains aligned with efforts to preserve environmental integrity,” Roro concluded.