KADIN-hosted forum examines decarbonisation, energy transition and sustainable economic development in Indonesia.
The Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2026 opened on 6 October at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta for a two-day programme. The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) hosted the fourth edition under the theme “Investing for a Resilient, Sustainable, and Prosperous World”. The forum featured more than 200 speakers across over 20 sessions.
Indonesia’s Investment and Downstream Industry Minister and Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chairman Rosan Roeslani opened the forum alongside KADIN Indonesia chairman Mr Anindya Novyan Bakrie. Keynote speakers included Ms Retno Marsudi, an Indonesian diplomat serving as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water, and Ms Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
Mr Bakrie highlighted the connection between energy security and geopolitical uncertainty, particularly Indonesia’s dependence on imported fuel. He said Indonesia consumed approximately 1.6 million barrels of fuel daily while producing 600,000 barrels of oil domestically, leaving an estimated daily gap of one million barrels. He called for greater electrification, renewable energy development and closer cooperation between the government and businesses.
Mr Bakrie also cited US$2.3 trillion in global energy-transition investment in 2025. KADIN estimated that Indonesia’s net-zero agenda could generate US$3.8 trillion in economic value by 2050. The chamber identified key priorities, including accelerating the energy transition, expanding high-integrity carbon markets, supporting corporate net-zero targets, promoting the circular economy and advancing sustainable forestry.
Opening sessions examined energy security, green industry and food systems. Speakers included Ms Helen Clarkson OBE, chief executive of London-headquartered climate non-profit The Climate Group; Mr Justin Ma, regional head of transition finance and advisory at UK-based Standard Chartered; Mr Ashish Sharma, executive director of group sustainability at Singapore-headquartered DBS Bank; Mr Bobby Gafur Umar, president director of Indonesian green-energy company PT Maharaksa Biru Energi Tbk; and Mr Agung Wicaksono, director of transformation and business sustainability at Indonesia’s state-owned energy company PT Pertamina (Persero). Mr Antonio Castellano, a partner at McKinsey & Company’s Singapore office, moderated the energy security session.
Other discussions explored renewable energy, forestry, climate resilience, blue carbon and sustainable infrastructure. On 7 October, speakers addressed water security, liveable cities, clean mobility, innovation, talent and economic development. The forum drew representatives from businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, international organisations, academia and philanthropic organisations.
Source: International Sustainability Forum
