IABC Indonesia Mid-Year Conference 2023:
Communicating for Impact
Sustainability Today, Legacy for Tomorrow
Jakarta, 14 July 2023 – Sustainability has gained significant attention globally, including in Indonesia, in recent years. Urgent issues and challenges related to extreme climate change, biodiversity loss, social and gender inequality, diversity, and inclusivity challenges, have become critical problems for organizations, governments, and individuals. Various institutions are working to address these challenges and create a more sustainable future for the next generations.
IABC Indonesia Mid-Year Conference 2023, themed “Sustainability Today, Legacy for Tomorrow,” was held on Friday, 14 July 2023, at Westin Hotel, Jakarta, with high-rank government officials and prominent communications leaders presenting their expertise and thoughts. “This conference aims to disseminate information, foster discussions, and raise awareness of sustainability issues and how communications play greater roles in achieving sustainability’s objectives,” said Elvera N. Makki, ABC, SCMP, President of the IABC Indonesia Chapter.
In a groundbreaking move towards combating climate change and fostering sustainability in Indonesia, the big project of the nation is to move the capital city in Jakarta to a new place on Borneo island (Kalimantan) named Nusantara. The appointed Head of IKN (Ibu Kota Nusantara/Nusantara Capital City) is the Keynote Address, Ir. Bambang Susantono, MCP., MSCE., Ph.D., Chairman of the Nusantara National Capital Authority. During his speech, he highlighted that the Indonesian government is building the Nusantara National Capital in East Kalimantan, focusing on being Green, Smart, Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable. “This groundbreaking concept aims to create a smart and sustainable forest city, which is the first in the world, with 65 percent of the 256.000-hectare Nusantara National Capital area transforming into tropical forests,” said Bambang.
He further emphasized that the development of IKN aligns with global targets, particularly in addressing climate change. IKN is set to become Indonesia’s first city to have a Locally Determined Contribution (LDC), signifying its commitment to take climate action at the city level. This LDC will further contribute to Indonesia’s Determined National Contribution in meeting the climate targets in the Paris Agreement. The driving force behind this transformative project is the passionate vision of creating a sustainable forest city, with the ambitious goal of making the Nusantara National Capital the first carbon-neutral city in Indonesia by 2045.
Based on a survey conducted by IABC Indonesia over nine days (June 28 to July 7, 2023) among 127 Gen-Z respondents aged 19-26 in Indonesia and abroad, they were revealed that over 90% agreed that environmental protection should be a priority for the government and society. They also recognized the importance of empathy towards vulnerable and minority groups, including people with disabilities, and acknowledged the significant role of communication in raising awareness of sustainability.
The survey also indicates that Gen-Z influences other age groups to contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. To carry out concrete actions for sustainability, as many as 90.6% of Gen-Z respondents stated that they would voluntarily participate. 40.2% of respondents would feel guilty if they could not participate, and 60.6% would feel happy if they could directly involved.
Elvera added, “IABC has a position as a catalysator to accelerate the achievement of Sustainability goals in Indonesia through effective and impactful communication. This conference aims to enable participants to apply the concept of “3 More”, which is to learn more, to listen more, and afterward, to do more Sustainability actions.”
Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Youth and Sports, Republic of Indonesia, expressed his appreciation to IABC Indonesia that formed Gen Z Circle in the session themed Together for a Sustainable Future, “The government appreciates the IABC Indonesia initiative for holding the IABC Mid-Year Conference 2023 engaging young professionals. This conference is attended by many young people who are urged to comprehend what Sustainability can do for their future and the importance of Communications to help increase awareness of the topic,” he said.
Usman Kansong, Director General of Information and Public Communication of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Republic of Indonesia, said that awareness of sustainability practices might be limited by the general public, not even a priority in everyday life. “The steps taken by IABC to play a role in driving the success of Sustainability practices are things that we must support together,” said Usman.
Emil Elestianto Dardak, Vice Governor of East Java, added, “Public communication in addressing complex issues is a must as part of strategic communications, especially through technological advancement on digital and social media. For Gen Z and Millenials, open communications build trust and credibility; thus, it encourages them to partake instead of being apathetic. A forum provided by IABC in this conference is one of the best examples to interact with speakers and among participants to help increase understanding and find solutions toward Sustainability concerns.”
IABC Indonesia Mid-Year Conference presented two (2) Keynote Addresses, two (2) Special Addresses, and three (3) Plenary Sessions, a total of twelve (12) prominent speakers in a full-day event attended by around 200 participants joining offline and online. The event was successful, with a 90% satisfaction rate according to a survey of participants and sponsors conducted post-event.
Several pictures captured from various social media posts by participants and sponsors:
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