The group visiting the historic Borobudur Temple in the outskirts of Yogyakarta
For a week in June, a bunch of 12 Leadership Network members from backgrounds as diverse as law, economics, engineering, technology and trade embarked on a unique mission: explore the intersection of climate action and policy while continuing to develop a low carbon economy.
Our journey began in Jakarta where a visit to the Jakarta History Museum provided insights into the city’s past and its emergence as a leading trading city in Southeast Asia.
Due to its trading prowess, the city attracted people from throughout the archipelago. As the city grew, it confronted issues of overpopulation, such as waste, housing and transport.
Such issues still persist today, exacerbated by the impact of climate change.
In fact, Jakarta is sinking, which the government is tackling in a radical way, namely by developing its replacement, Nusantara, located in the Bornean province of East Kalimantan.
It is estimated that developing Nusantara and relocating the institutions of government there will cost some IDR 466 trillion (USD33 billion).
The visit gave the Leadership Network members new perspective of Indonesia
Our eyes remain peeled as to how Indonesia can successfully move its capital. If successful, the example may stand as an impressive precedent for other governments facing similar climate-driven issues.
On our first official day, we visited Javara Indonesia, a company that supports Indonesia’s food biodiversity heritage through working with farmers and food producers to deliver local products to market.
It is a company where ancient wisdom meets modern solutions. Here, amid vibrant food products from all over Indonesia, we learned about how reintroducing traditional-food biodiversity is not just reviving culinary traditions, but also empowering communities.
Imagine a plate of forgotten grains not only bursting with flavour but also enriching the soil and boosting local incomes. It is a delicious recipe for climate resilience!
The discussions that followed over the next days were equally nourishing. We delved into the complexities of carbon markets, forestry, transportation and energy transition with policy think tanks such as the Habiebie Centre and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia.
The pursuit of a just energy transition, urban development, waste management and required infrustructure dominated conversations with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
A round table with thinktank the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia. The dialogue provided the delegation with insights into the Indonesian government's responses to climate change and sustainable development
We also had an interactive exchange of ideas with young policy enthusiasts from the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia. They emphasised their hopes for ambitious climate action from the recently elected government, and the urgent need for an equitable shift away from fossil fuels.
Civil society organizations such as Amnesty International brought the human cost of climate change to light, a powerful reminder of the urgency of the situation.
At Universitas Gadjah Mada, we explored climate litigation’s role in accelerating climate action from governments and other stakeholders.
We discussed the continued challenge of disasters, carbon accounting and adaptation strategies. It was inspiring to see such a focus on practical solutions alongside theoretical discussions.
Throughout these exchanges, a common thread emerged: Indonesia is not just facing climate challenges, it's leading the charge for innovative solutions. And it must, as its population of 280 million and strong economy are at stake.
The message was clear – Indonesia is a nation brimming with policy opportunities to build a more sustainable future.
This trip wasn't just about policy discussions. It was a sensory experience!
We tasted the potential of a future where food security and environmental well-being go hand in hand.
We visited UNESCO heritage sites such as the Borobudur Temple, the Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (the Palace) and its surrounding water castles or the Taman Sari.
We dined with GKR Gusti Bendara (Princess Bendara) who is in charge of tourism in Yogyakarta.
We took part in eco-printing leaves into tote bags – a common practice of designing and dyeing cloth.
And we met with an array of friends from academia, public policy and eco-tourism with whom we shared diverse perspectives to create a more resilient world, not to mention connections and friendships I’m sure will last the test of time.
As I returned home, I carried with me the flavours of Indonesia along with its challenges that present vast opportunity for policy to remedy.
The fight against climate change may be daunting, but with innovative thinking and a dash of collaboration, we can create a future that's not just sustainable, but truly delicious.
The Indonesia visit introduced Leadership Network members to Track II diplomacy through the Foundation's NextGen Track II programme.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to thrive in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.