Active Role of ITS SDGs Center in JICA and Bappenas Collaboration

JAKARTA, May 29, 2024 – The Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (Kementerian PPN/Bappenas), in collaboration with the JICA SDGs Project, hosted the SDGs Center Communication Forum (Forkom) at Artotel Thamrin, Jakarta. The event, held on May 29-30, 2024, aims to accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia through strengthened collaboration and innovation.

The forum, themed “The Strategic Role of SDGs Centers in Accelerating the Achievement of SDGs,” marks the first effort to unite 51 SDGs centers from universities across Indonesia, including the SDGs Center at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS).

Prior to this forum, JICA had a meeting with the ITS SDGs Center on April 23, 2024. The discussion, which included Djonet Santoso from JICA SDGs Indonesia, addressed several crucial points, including challenges in understanding and collecting data related to SDGs in various regions. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration among SDGs centers to optimize the achievement of SDG targets in Indonesia.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the role of SDGs centers is vital in supporting Indonesia’s SDG achievements. JICA and Kementerian PPN/Bappenas are committed to facilitating collaboration among SDGs centers and ensuring their involvement in Regional Action Plans (RAD) and SDG evaluations.

Meeting of JICA SDGs Indonesia and ITS SDGs Center at ITS Research Center Building

Dr. Dra. Melania Suweni Muntini, M.T., head of the ITS SDGs Center, welcomed this initiative. She appreciated JICA and Kementerian PPN/Bappenas’ efforts in bringing together various SDGs centers to exchange information and strategies. “This forum is very beneficial for forging stronger partnerships and promoting innovation in the environmental, social, and economic sectors,” she said.

Hisaaki Mitsui, Team Leader of the JICA SDGs Project, expressed his hope that this collaboration would enhance SDG achievements in Indonesia. “The three aspects we focus on are environment, social, and economy,” Mitsui said in his speech. He also emphasized the importance of close collaboration between SDGs centers to create a strong and effective network.

Dr. Dra. Melania Suweni Muntini, M.T. (third from the left) with representatives from university SDGs Centers in Indonesia

The event, attended by representatives from all over Indonesia, underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Djonet Santoso, during the dinner reception, expressed his appreciation for the presence of all participants, showing the high commitment of each SDGs center in supporting the achievement of SDGs.

As an active participant, the ITS SDGs Center is expected to continue contributing to this collaborative effort. With forums like the Forkom SDGs Center, it is hoped that existing obstacles can be overcome and new innovations can be implemented to achieve the SDG targets by 2030.

All forum participants took a group photo together