JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati recently shared Indonesia’s key priorities for the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, where global leaders will gather to discuss pressing international issues. The announcement was made during her meeting with the British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, HE Dominic Jermey, at the Ministry of Finance office on November 15, 2024.

Sri Mulyani took to her personal Instagram account to outline Indonesia’s focus areas for the event.

One of the central issues for Indonesia at the G20 Summit will be addressing hunger and improving the welfare of communities. Sri Mulyani noted that Indonesia’s priorities are aligned with those of Brazil, the host country and current G20 president, in tackling food insecurity and poverty.

She emphasized that these are urgent issues that require collective global action, and Indonesia is keen to collaborate and share best practices in overcoming them.

Indonesia’s commitment to welfare extends beyond national borders. Sri Mulyani expressed Indonesia’s eagerness to learn from the experiences of other nations, particularly in terms of enhancing social welfare systems.

The Minister highlighted the importance of cross-country dialogue at the G20, where different countries can exchange ideas and strategies on improving quality of life for their citizens, especially in the context of a rapidly changing global economy.

Another key priority for Indonesia at the G20 will be addressing global governance challenges, particularly in reforming Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). Sri Mulyani stressed the crucial role these institutions play in global development and climate action, as well as in supporting the economic stability of developing countries. She called for reforms that would enable MDBs to be more effective in meeting the evolving needs of low- and middle-income nations

As part of the push for reform, Sri Mulyani highlighted the need for MDBs to increase their involvement in financing climate action. She noted that the global fight against climate change requires substantial investments, particularly in developing countries that are most vulnerable to its impacts. Indonesia will advocate for MDBs to play a more proactive role in mobilizing resources for climate resilience

In addition to climate action, Sri Mulyani pointed out that MDBs should be more active in addressing the challenges of poverty reduction and debt relief for low-income countries. She emphasized the importance of finding solutions that help nations overcome financial constraints and foster sustainable development. This is an issue of critical importance for many countries in the Global South, and Indonesia is determined to champion this cause at the G20 Summit.

 

Indonesia is also committed to advancing the agenda of sustainable finance and energy transition, which will be key topics at the G20. Sri Mulyani emphasized that the country’s energy transition is already underway, with steps such as the early retirement of coal-fired power plants in Cirebon. Indonesia aims to show leadership in energy transition, balancing its development needs with global environmental goals.

At the G20 Summit, Indonesia will seek to build stronger partnerships with other countries and organizations to accelerate the global transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy. Sri Mulyani reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to working with international partners, particularly in the context of financing renewable energy projects and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The goal is to ensure that the transition is both just and inclusive, addressing the needs of all sectors of society.

Sri Mulyani’s remarks underscored that Indonesia’s active participation in the global energy transition is not just about domestic goals but also about contributing to a broader global effort. By advancing energy transition measures domestically, such as the closure of coal plants, Indonesia aims to set an example for other developing nations. This approach, she believes, can help influence international efforts to address climate change and energy sustainability.

Sri Mulyani expressed Indonesia’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the G20 discussions, particularly on welfare, global governance, and energy transition. As the world grapples with complex economic and environmental challenges, Indonesia’s leadership and active participation at the G20 will be crucial in shaping global policies. Sri Mulyani hopes that Indonesia’s efforts will inspire positive changes and foster stronger international cooperation in addressing these critical issues. (Uki Ruknuddin)