JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS— Suharso Monoarfa, Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), underscored the urgent need to present strong and realistic information to the public, particularly regarding alternative financing solutions to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This effort is deemed crucial for the upcoming High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (HLF MSP) 2024 and the second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024, scheduled to be held in Bali from September 1-3, 2024.

“It is essential to prepare robust and realistic information for the public, especially regarding alternative financing solutions to achieve the SDGs, to attract global attention and foster solidarity through multi-stakeholder partnerships, particularly with Southern countries, including Africa,” Monoarfa stated during a closed-door meeting with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Jakarta on Thursday.

He noted that Indonesia is working on establishing a financing mechanism to facilitate development spending in Africa. With Africa expected to dominate global population growth over the next decade, the commitment to alternative financing aims to draw global interest and strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Southern countries, especially in economic and development sectors.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi highlighted the importance of clearly and accurately communicating Indonesia’s international commitments and contributions to the public.

“This precise information is intended to ensure that the public understands and supports Indonesia’s active role on the global stage,” she said.

The HLF MSP 2024 is expected to be a pivotal moment for Indonesia to showcase its leadership on international issues such as the SDGs and strategic cooperation with Southern countries. The forum will also serve as a key platform for Indonesia to promote strategic initiatives in economic, social, and environmental fields, aligning with the national vision outlined in the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045. (Uki Ruknuddin)