United Nations in Indonesia

The United Nations is committed to working with the Government of Indonesia to building a nation that is prosperous, democratic, and just, where development benefits all people, and where the rights of future generations are protected. True to the promise of the SDGs to “leave no one behind”, the UN’s approach combines a strong focus on the poorest of the poor, combatting discrimination and rising inequalities and addressing their root causes. “Leaving no one behind” means prioritizing people’s dignity and placing the progress of the most marginalized and vulnerable communities first. This central and transformative promise has become more important than ever to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and work towards a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive recovery.

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Publication

25 March 2025

United Nations in Indonesia Country Results Report 2024

The partnership between the Government of Indonesia and the United Nations continues to drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our 2024 report highlights our collective achievements in fostering inclusive human development, advancing economic and green transformation, and mobilizing innovative financing solutions. From expanding access to life-saving vaccines for millions of children to supporting thousands of MSMEs in building sustainable businesses, our collaboration is delivering impact across 123 districts in the country. By integrating clean technologies, strengthening marine protection, and supporting women-led renewable energy initiatives, we support the acceleration of Indonesia’s transition toward a greener and more resilient future. Through strategic partnerships, the UN has supported the mobilization of additional $1.6 billion through green sukuk and SDG-linked bonds and over $13 million through Zakat funds for critical social services. For this year's report, we adopt tenun ikat from East Nusa Tenggara —a symbol of cultural heritage and shared values, which underpins our mission to build a more sustainable and inclusive Indonesia.

For a comprehensive look at the UN's initiatives and Indonesia's progress towards the SDGs, please download the full report below., filtered_html

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Publication

07 June 2023

Better Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All in Indonesia (BERANI) Programme Fact Sheet

The Government of Indonesia, UNFPA, and UNICEF have been working together through the Better Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All in Indonesia (BERANI) Programme from 2018 to 2023. This joint effort aims to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and young people across the country. Under the BERANI Programme, several key areas have been focused on, including enhancing midwifery education and regulation, strengthening partnerships to improve family planning, providing youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services and information, strengthening the health sector's response to gender-based violence, and community outreach and empowerment. Throughout the programme, significant achievements have been made. Over 20 policies, advocacy strategies, and roadmaps were developed to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights. Midwifery education centers have implemented high-quality standards, leading to increased pass rates in national competency exams. Private clinics have been strengthened to provide quality youth-friendly services, and community health centers have been capacitated to respond effectively to gender-based violence. Additionally, a considerable number of young people have benefited from the programme. Thousands of adolescents have received comprehensive sexuality education and information on menstrual hygiene management. Digital content creators have been trained to develop sexual and reproductive health-related content, reaching a combined audience of over 600,000 young people. The BERANI Programme highlights the commitment to leaving no one behind, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and information. The BERANI fact sheet is downloadable through the button below this article. #BERANI #ReproductiveHealth #GenderEquality , filtered_html

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Better Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All in Indonesia (BERANI) Programme Fact Sheet Cover

Story

29 May 2023

Baristas behind bars: From serving time to serving lattes

Perfectly foamed milk. A delicate butterfly enswirled atop. A bittersweet tang on the palate. A perfect cappuccino? It is beyond that. This particular cup was masterfully frothed and served by Denny, an inmate in Tangerang, west of Jakarta, who joined a UN-supported training programme to help prisoners to re-integrate into society after serving time. “I want to make the most of my time, even in prison, and this training should help me find a job later,” said Denny, 31, who has just over two years left of a five-year prison sentence. “Of course, I knew how to make a coffee before, but here I am learning about different flavours, smells and aromas, and about the artistic side of coffee making.” Denny is one of 200 inmates in the Tangerang Class IIA Correctional Facility and among more than 35,000 inmates across Indonesia who are involved in vocational training, from eco-printing on textiles to farming. While learning how to be a barista behind bars, he said he hopes to get a job in a café following his release. Salis Farida Fitriani, who heads the correctional facility, said the programme aims at building a better future, but skills training alone is not enough for inmates to succeed in the outside world. To deal with a society that often stigmatizes them for life, she said, the prison offers training in personality development, counselling, and religious teaching. “Our goal is to provide positive activities and training for the inmates,” she said. “The programme includes personality development as well as vocational training to help with their future livelihoods.” Breaking the ‘ex-con’ stigma Starting a business is hard after serving time in prison, said Haswin, a 32-year-old former drug offender. Leaving the Tangerang correctional facility in January 2022, he now operates his own coffee shop, mixing modern and traditional coffee styles alongside mocktails and snacks. “Life is so much better now,” said Haswin, adding that his former bartending job was a prime factor in his involvement with drug-related offences that led to his arrest in 2018. “I am more content with life and proud of my creativity,” he explained. “I had never thought I could find a career outside nightlife.” Now, his work is not just a “means to make ends meet”, but a new opportunity. “I want to break the stigma around ‘ex-cons’ by showing that former offenders can also be independent and creative,” he said. From sports to university programmes Tangerang Class IIA gives prisoners a chance to do that. They can also compete in professional sports at Tangerang, a prison unique in Indonesia for offering a full university education programme. Open to prisoners across Indonesia, a pilot programme currently serving 200 inmates is poised to roll out countrywide, subject to funding, Ms. Fitriani said. Asep, a third-year Islamic studies student with Syekh Yusuf Islamic University, said he, like many in the programme, could not afford to go to university in his life before prison. “I was always keen to learn, but my economic situation did not make it possible for me to study,” he said. Following the same curriculum the university offers to its regular students, Asep and his schoolmates attend classes thrice weekly for six hours each day. After graduation and before the end of his prison sentence, Asep said he hopes to help his fellow prisoners by offering religious counselling. “I get to learn a lot about the world and about life outside,” he said. “It helps me cope better with my long sentence. It will help the others, too.” Tailored to inmates’ needs Supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), the training programmes are designed with help from a set of assessment tools that provide evidence-based approaches tailored to inmates’ individual needs. Corrections officers use these tools to evaluate and better understand inmates, including the level of security risk they may pose, their compatibility with the programme, and their likely response to education. Within UNODC’s prisoner rehabilitation initiative, which focuses on education, vocational training, and employment during incarceration, the goal is to contribute to the prisoners’ employability after release, thus reducing chances of recidivism. With this in mind, the agency partnered with Indonesia’s Directorate-General of Corrections to create an assessment matrix that helps corrections officers to build psychological and security profiles of prisoners and enables staff to keep track of their progress, said Rabby Pramudatama, a programme manager at UNODC’s Jakarta office. “We need to make sure, for instance, that we get inmates who are unlikely to disturb the classes and will cooperate with teachers and their fellow students,” he said. Second chances UNODC also collaborates and supports such non-governmental organizations as Second Chance, which help inmates to reintegrate into society once they are out of the facility. On a quiet morning, some inmates were reviewing verses from the Quran, while others gathered around to watch a pair of sparring kickboxers. As rain set in, they spoke of the sunshine that was bound to break through, sooner or later. For Denny, he said the sunshine will come on the day when he, too, can get out and find a job. “My main drive right now is to be a better person than I was before,” he said, adding that until that day, he will focus on religious activities and brewing perfect cappuccinos in barista classes. Learn more about how UNODC is helping to reform prisons across the world here. This article was initially published by UN News in this link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/06/1137212 , filtered_html

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07 March 2025

Indonesia’s Industrial Policy at a Crossroads: Growth, Sustainability, and Global Impact

The United Nations Economist Network (UNEN) has released a Policy Brief on Industrial Policy for Sustainable Development, outlining how countries worldwide are reshaping their economic strategies to align with evolving technological, environmental, and geopolitical realities. As industrial policies gain renewed attention, developing nations seek ways to balance economic growth with sustainability, social inclusion, and resilience.Indonesia is highlighted in the report as a resource-based industrial policy model, particularly in its nickel sector, which plays a crucial role in stainless steel production and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Holding 22% of the world’s nickel reserves and contributing 37% of global production, Indonesia has implemented export bans since 2014 and enforced it since 2022 to drive investment in domestic processing, attracting significant Chinese FDI in downstream industries. These policies have helped Indonesia become the leading producer of refined nickel, an input to produce steel and EV batteries, demonstrating a successful industrial strategy so far.According to Marco Kamiya, UNIDO Representative for Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and the Philippines, who also co-authored this report, Indonesia’s industrial policies serve as a critical case study in resource-driven economic transformation:"Indonesia's approach to industrialization, leveraging its rich nickel reserves, has accelerated economic growth while creating opportunities for higher-value industries. However, sustaining this momentum requires a long-term vision that integrates innovation, sustainable practices, and global partnerships."Kamiya emphasizes that while Indonesia has made significant progress, technological barriers in EV battery production and evolving global market dynamics pose new challenges:"Indonesia's next step is to enhance its processing capabilities to produce high-value EV battery components integrating technology transfer with local expertise to maintain its competitive edge in the global clean energy transition."The UNEN Policy Brief emphasizes that modern industrial policies should promote sustainability and innovation as well as driving growth. With Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) at its core, Indonesia’s efforts in nickel industrialization highlight both opportunities and challenges in leveraging natural resources for long-term development. The brief underscores the importance of policy coherence, international collaboration, and equitable financing to ensure that countries like Indonesia are not left behind in the race toward a sustainable global economy.Read the full UNEN Policy Brief here, filtered_html

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07 March 2025

FAO builds Indonesia’s capacity in satellite data interpretation to assess forest area

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) this week trained local experts in remote sensing techniques critical for monitoring the world’s forest and mangrove ecosystems.Fifty national representatives convened in Lombok for the workshop, which was organized with financial support from the European Union.By establishing a network of satellite image interpreters in Indonesia, the workshop contributes directly to FAO’s Remote Sensing Survey (RSS), which in turn provides data for the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), the largest examination of forest resources across the globe."Through this workshop, national remote sensing experts were empowered with knowledge to generate high-quality estimates in order to contribute to the transparency and accessibility of essential data on forests," said Adolfo Kindgard, FAO Forestry Officer.
Enhancing remote sensing data collectionWith the aim to develop national remote sensing capacities, the workshop facilitators offered instruction on the physics of remote sensing and the theory behind satellite image interpretation. The expert participants were also trained in FRA 2025 RSS methodology, terms and definitions.The workshop equipped participants with the tools to provide independent and consistent estimates for inland forest and mangrove area and its changes, from 2000 to 2024. Each participant used Collect Earth Online to gather approximately 250 RSS samples within their region of expertise.During the event, the Director of Forest Resources Inventory and Monitoring at the Ministry of Forestry, Agus Budi Santosa, emphasized the importance of partnership in advancing national forest information. “Since 1948, Indonesia has proudly been a member of FAO, forging a powerful partnership in the advancement of national forest information. The country has demonstrated its commitment by consistently submitting comprehensive reports on the status of its forests through the five-year Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), which prominently features the Remote Sensing Survey. This proactive involvement underscores Indonesia's dedication to sustainable forest management and global environmental stewardship,” he stated. In addition to improving estimates of forest area and its changes, the training also focused on Indonesia's extensive mangrove forests, which play a vital role in the country’s coastal ecosystems.Indonesia holds 21 percent of the world’s mangrove area, according to 2020 FRA data, making it a critical player in the global effort to monitor these valuable coastal ecosystems.Following his remarks, FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Rajendra Aryal highlighted the significance of Indonesia’s active participation in Forest Resource Assessment.“Your participation in this workshop is critical to ensuring that Indonesia’s forest and mangrove statistics are as accurate and up to date as possible. It is also an opportunity to learn and apply innovative monitoring techniques that will strengthen future reporting efforts,” Aryal said.
FAO’s global Remote Sensing SurveySince 1948, FAO has conducted assessments of the condition, extent, management and uses of global forest resources. The assessments compile comprehensive country reports every five years from officially nominated national correspondents with a standardized methodology to inform the decisions and recommendations of civil society, the private sector, governments and international conventions.The RSS is used by the Global Forest Resources Assessment to assess the status and changes in forest areas and other key land uses at global, regional and biome levels with satellite imagery and remote sensing tools. FRA 2025 RSS, slated for release in 2026, will update forest and mangrove data up to 2024 and collect new information on agroforestry systems, pastoral systems, types of crops, burned forests, mangroves and trees outside of forests.
More on this topicInteractive story: Unlocking the secrets of mangrovesPlatform: Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 dataPublication: FRA 2020 Remote Sensing SurveyWebsite: Remote Sensing | Global Forest Resources AssessmentVideo: Insight into the Global Forest Resources Assessment processVideo game: Forest Kids - BiodiversityPublication: The world's mangroves 2000-2020, filtered_html

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Three people are collecting data in a forest

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17 February 2025

Boost road safety for people, planet and prosperity

If you had to guess the leading cause of death for children and young people globally, what would you say? Malaria? Pneumonia? Suicide? They’re all up there, but no, it’s road crashes. Cars have been around for over 120 years, and we know how to prevent these tragedies. Yet road crashes still claim more than two lives every minute, and nearly 1.2 million lives every year. If these deaths were caused by a virus, it would be called a pandemic and the world would scramble to develop vaccines to prevent them. And yet reducing road deaths has long been overlooked, misunderstood and underfunded. People will always make mistakes on the roads, but we have proven solutions that ensure our transport systems can absorb these errors in a way that significantly reduces the risk of death. As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, the world has set an ambitious target of halving road deaths worldwide by 2030. Just ten countries - including some hard-hit low and middle-income countries – managed to reduce road deaths by more than 50% in a decade, and more than 30 countries are close behind. This shows that the target can be met but it is nowhere near enough. We need urgent action. Key to meeting this goal is the decision to design and build our transport systems for people - not for motor vehicles - and to make safety paramount in all decisions and actions. This is especially important for the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders, who are often left dangerously exposed. Advancing road safety is crucial in itself, but it is also key to sustainable development overall. The world is going through an unprecedented wave of motorization. More than a billion vehicles are on the roads. This is unsustainable, so we must focus on moving people, not cars, motorbikes and trucks. Transport accounts for one quarter of global carbon emissions, and fuels congestion in our cities. Yet when mobility is made safe and accessible, people choose the greener options of public transport, walking and cycling.Designing cities around sustainable transport - with cycling lanes, pedestrian zones, and accessible public transport - also strengthens communities by making spaces safer and more livable, while improving access to adequate housing and basic services for all.Safe roads power economies. Road deaths can cost countries around 3 to 5% of GDP, and ensuring more people can move safely to their jobs, schools and vital services drives development. Safe, accessible and affordable transport also breaks down barriers to jobs, schools and opportunities for disadvantaged groups. This helps ensure everyone can reach their potential.The same holds true for gender equality, and in some countries up to 80% of women report suffering harassment on public transport, so we must make transport safe for women and girls.Road safety is everyone’s business and to succeed we need a range of sectors to be involved. Urban planners and engineers must ensure safety is built into infrastructure. Academia and civil society can generate evidence. The media can dig deeper into what works, what doesn’t and why. The private sector has tremendous influence. Businesses can contribute to safe and sustainable mobility by applying proven principles and practices throughout their value chains. They must only sell vehicles that meet United Nations safety standards. Yet the role of government is paramount. Governments must provide strategic and well-coordinated approaches, strong policy and legal frameworks that enforce safety standards and safe behaviors, and sufficient funding. Law enforcement and education are also key. This vision is right at the heart of the Global Plan for the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which offers a blueprint for governments to reduce road deaths.This week, world leaders will meet for a Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Morocco. They will assess progress, share knowledge, and advance actions to halve road deaths by 2030.They are set to adopt a new Marrakech Declaration, which recognizes road safety as an urgent public health and development priority, and that our efforts must be guided by the principles of equity, accessibility, and sustainability. The Declaration calls on leaders to step up efforts to action the Global Plan for the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety. We need a step change in political will, a sense of urgency, evidenced-based, strategies that are costed and implemented, strong coordination and adequate financing. Road safety is a crisis that has gone on far too long. No road deaths are necessary or acceptable. Yet it is also much more than that. Safe and sustainable mobility can power a better future for us all. ----------------------------The op-ed has been co-signed by 15 Heads of UN agencies/departments and by H.E. Mr. Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco, Host of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHOJean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road SafetyAchim Steiner, Administrator of UNDPRabab Fatima, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing StatesInger Andersen, UN Under-Secretary-General & Executive Director of UNEPAnaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-HabitatFilippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of UNOPSTatiana Molcean, UN Under-Secretary-General/Executive Secretary of UNECEArmida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of UNESCAPClaver Gatete, Executive Secretary of UNECARola Dashti, Executive Secretary of ESCWAJosé Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of UNECLACGilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security (UNDSS)Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, filtered_html

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03 February 2025

What is Peacekeeping?

Peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most effective tools available to the UN to assist host countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. Peacekeeping has unique strengths, including legitimacy, burden sharing, and an ability to deploy and sustain troops and police from around the globe, integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to advance multidimensional mandates.UN peacekeepers provide security and the political and peacebuilding support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:Consent of the parties;Impartiality;Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.Peacekeeping is flexible and over the past two decades has been deployed in many configurations. There are currently 11 UN peacekeeping operations deployed on three continents.Today's multidimensional peacekeeping operations are called upon not only to maintain peace and security, but also to facilitate the political process, protect civilians, assist in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants; support the organization of elections, protect and promote human rights and assist in restoring the rule of law.Success is never guaranteed, because UN Peacekeeping almost by definition goes to the most physically and politically difficult environments. However, we have built up a demonstrable record of success over our 70 years of existence, including winning the Nobel Peace Prize.Peacekeeping has always been highly dynamic and has evolved in the face of new challenges. Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon established a 17-member High-level Independent Panel on UN Peace Operations to make a comprehensive assessment of the state of UN peace operations today, and the emerging needs of the future.Global partnershipUN peacekeeping is a unique global partnership. It brings together the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat, troop and police contributors and the host governments in a combined effort to maintain international peace and security. Its strength lies in the legitimacy of the UN Charter and in the wide range of contributing countries that participate and provide precious resources.This part of the article was originally published on United Nations Peacekeeping' site through this link: What is Peacekeeping (https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-is-peacekeeping)UN Peacekeeping is the largest and most visible representation of the United Nations. It is a collective investment in global peace, security, and stability.This investment has a proven track record. Over 70 years, our peacekeepers have made a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people, creating conditions for lasting peace, but a viable political process is central to the work of our operations, as peacekeeping is meant to support and not substitute national efforts. Peacekeeping, however, is political and its success depends on active and sustainable political processes or the real prospect of a peace process. Peacekeeping cannot substitute for the political will and determination of the parties to end the conflict and protect their people, nor the host state’s sovereign responsibilities.The Security Council has a vital role in securing this commitment and cooperation, while providing missions with realistic and clear mandates.Peacekeepers protect civilians, actively prevent conflict, reduce violence, strengthen security and empower national authorities to assume these responsibilities. This requires a coherent security and peacebuilding strategy that supports the political strategy. UN peacekeeping helps host countries to become more resilient to conflict, laying the groundwork to sustain long-term peace, including by addressing root causes of conflict.A strong an effective partnership between the UN Secretariat, the Security Council and the countries that contribute uniformed personnel, has made possible for 55 peacekeeping operations around the world to have, through the years, successfully completed their mandate. This partnership is essential as we continue to evolve, striving every day to become more agile and adapt to the volatile environments we operate in. UN peacekeeping is also committed to working smarter and using modern technology as well as other innovations.All of this allows our peacekeepers to: Protect civilians Prevent conflicts Build Rule of Law and security institutions Promote human rights Empower women Deliver field supportThis part of the article was originally published on United Nations Peacekeeping' site through this link: What We Do (https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-we-do), filtered_html

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United Nations Peacekeeping helps countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace

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Press Release

18 March 2025

IOM Indonesia Supports the Repatriation of Online Scam Trafficking Victims

Jakarta, Indonesia — Human trafficking in Southeast Asia increasingly involves online scamming operations, particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines. Victims from various countries are frequently deceived by fraudulent job offers and subsequently coerced into conducting online scams under harsh conditions, including physical violence, threats, and severe isolation.Recently, a crackdown on trafficking operations in the border area in Myanmar resulted in more than 7,000 people from various countries requiring immediate assistance, including 554 Indonesians who became victims through deceptive online recruitment schemes. Challenges were encountered during the screening of such a large number of victims, highlighting the need for coordinated international support.The Indonesian Government launched its humanitarian response for Indonesian victims, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the Coordinating Ministry of Politics and Security, with support from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, the Indonesian National Police and Indonesian National Armed Forces, and Ministry of Immigration and Corrections and supported by International Organization for Migration. Today, two flights brought home the first 400 victims, with a final flight scheduled for March 19 carrying the remaining 154.A press conference was held today to officially welcome and address the return of the first batch of Indonesian citizens repatriated as victims of human trafficking. Minister of Politics and Security Budy Gunawan stated, "During their time working for the online scamming syndicates, Indonesian victims faced intense pressure and physical violence, including beatings and electric shocks. They were also threatened with organ harvesting if they failed to meet the targets set by their captors." Eny Rofiatul Ngazizah, Head of the IOM Counter Trafficking Unit, explained, "IOM provided specialized training sessions for Indonesian Embassy staff in Thailand in late February, enhancing their capacity to identify and support trafficking victims."Additionally, IOM facilitated a temporary shelter for the returnees in Jakarta, closely collaborating with Indonesia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Affairs to provide necessary care and follow-up assistance to support reintegration of the returning victims., filtered_html

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Press Release

04 February 2025

Asia-Pacific region to chart bold path for migration governance

Bangkok, 4 February 2025The second Regional Review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Asia and the Pacific opened today with a call for migration policies that prioritize the needs and rights of migrants while ensuring broad collaboration across governments, communities and key stakeholders. The region, home to over 40 per cent of the world’s international migrants, is witnessing significant shifts driven by demographic changes, rapid digital transformation and the increasing effects of climate change and other crises. Intraregional migration remains predominant, with 70 per cent of migrants moving within the region. Much of international migration is propelled by the search for decent work, with women migrants playing a critical yet often undervalued role in sectors such as care and domestic work. Children also make up a significant proportion of migrants in the region, with unique needs for services and protection due to their heightened vulnerability. “Migration, if managed in a well-informed, planned and voluntary manner, with full respect and protection of human rights, can bring benefits to all. Migrants should have their potential fully harnessed to play key roles in enhancing sustainable development in countries of origin and destination,” said Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in her opening remarks. "With over 40 per cent of the world’s migrants calling Asia and the Pacific home, the region has a unique opportunity to lead by example—expanding regular pathways, protecting lives and ensuring migration benefits all," said Catalina Devandas, representing IOM Director General Amy Pope in her capacity as Coordinator of the UN Network on Migration. Expected outcomes and commitments Over the next three days, participants will share progress, challenges and good practices in implementing the 23 objectives of the GCM. Discussions will focus on the critical role of migrants in the region’s resilience and sustainable development, particularly in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.“In host countries, migrants bring with them not only the needed manpower, but also skills, expertise and social interactions, that can help accelerate economic and social development. Meanwhile, home countries can enjoy the economic boost from remittances from migrant workers and diaspora,” shared Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand. Speaking on behalf of the Stakeholder Action Group, migrant domestic worker and member of the International Domestic Workers Federation Nasrikah highlighted the importance of having segregated data on migration to inform policymakers on the key needs and situations of migrants and their families and take action based on analysis and true stories of unsafe migration. Recognizing the importance of addressing the interconnected challenges shaping migration dynamics such as rapid digital transformation, climate change, demographic shifts and economic disparities, several key commitments are expected to emerge from the review including:Protecting migrants’ rights and saving lives: Governments are expected to renew their commitments to policies that uphold migrants’ rights, promote gender equality, tackle discrimination and ensure access to health care, education, decent work and social protection for all migrants, including their children.Using technology to improve migration systems: Key priorities include reducing remittance transfer costs, promoting digital and financial inclusion, closing gender gaps in financial access, simplifying migration processes and increasing transparency.Preparing for crises and climate impacts: Governments are expected to recognize the need for migration policies that help migrants and communities better withstand climate change, economic shocks and health emergencies, using reliable, timely and disaggregated data.Strengthening regional cooperation: The meeting will highlight cross-border collaboration, stronger partnerships and meaningful engagement with migrants, civil society, women’s rights organizations and the private sector to improve migration governance.The outcomes of this meeting will contribute to global discussions at the 2026 International Migration Review Forum. Governments are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to aligning migration governance with the Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing that protecting all migrants and enabling their full contributions to society are essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development., filtered_html

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Press Release

17 December 2024

New UN programme to support utilization and availability of data for development at the local level

National governments set overall economic and development objectives, but it is local authorities – closest to the people – who know best what it takes to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) locally. This is why a United Nations in Indonesia joint programme, launched recently, is focusing on supporting local authorities – at the provincial, district and municipal level – through making available data at the local level for informed policymaking.“While governments design national policies and development frameworks, districts and municipalities have their finger on the pulse. They are therefore in a key position to assess challenges and implement development projects to respond to the needs of their population,” said Gita Sabharwal, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Indonesia. “This requires accurate and accessible data at the local level, and that is where support under this new programme will focus.”According to government data, Indonesia is on track to meet 62% of the SDG indicators, and the government is committed to accelerate progress in the areas that are furthest behind, including nutrition and gender equality. Development across the SDGs has been uneven, with major regional disparities. To accelerate efforts where it is the most needed requires tailored interventions, which in turn requires accurate data. However, data availability at the district and municipality level is limited, particularly data for socioeconomic SDG indicators. The new joint programme, with the participation of the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Agency (UNFPA), will help develop a mechanism to provide more reliable data at the local level, using a modelling methodology known as small area estimation. It will also support the development of a national regulatory framework to strengthen local SDG planning, monitoring, evaluation and financing, and will also help create national guidelines and protocols to improve SDG availability and utilization at the local level.The online SDG Dashboard, developed by the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) and the UN in Indonesia, will be turned into a one-stop database and digital monitoring and evaluation system to analyse the progress on SDGs to strengthen local development plans, said Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy of Maritime Affairs and National Resources of BAPPPENAS. “With accurate data and exposure to best practice examples from across the country, we will provide governments at the subnational level with the ammunition they need to design and implement well-targeted programmes with a clear and measurable impact on development towards the SDGs,” she said. The new one-year programme is funded by Joint SDG Fund. It complements other initiatives by the UN in Indonesia to support sub-national governments in accelerating development towards the SDGs, such as support to Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs). VLRs enable local and regional governments to assess their progress toward the SDGs and prioritize action based on the results. “By working together in complimentary ways, BAPPENAS and the UN can provide the support that subnational governments need to achieve meaningful and inclusive progress,” Ms Sabharwal said., filtered_html

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Press Release

23 January 2025

Honoring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Through Creative Arts

In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 and Human Rights Day on December 10, the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are hosting “Our Rights, Our Future Film Tour.” The event, themed “Empowered Persons with Disabilities, Inclusivity for All,” showcases the resilience and creativity of persons with disabilities through film, art, and fashion, promoting inclusivity.Running from December 5 to 7, 2024, at Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta, the programme includes screenings, art exhibitions, inclusive fashion shows, and workshops. Organized in partnership with Bumilangit, the United Nations Association of Indonesia (UNAI), and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the event also supports inclusive employment through the “Decent Work for All” campaign.“This event is about solutions, about celebrating humanity, and people with diverse sets of abilities and their creativity,” said Miklos Gaspar, Director of UNIC Jakarta. “Art and fashion as powerful mediums, and we invite the public to see that.”A highlight of the event is the screening of “Sundul Langit,” a film directed by a blind filmmaker with a script written by a deaf writer. It tells the story of a deaf student navigating an inclusive school. “This film is proof that every person has a story worth telling and the talent to tell it,” said Basuki from Sahabat Mata, the community behind the film. “Our hope is that it inspires others to see abilities rather than limitations.”Another key feature is the fashion show presented by the Layak Community, which showcases designs that empower persons with disabilities to express themselves with confidence. “Fashion is a universal language,” said XX from Layak. “Through inclusive design, we aim to redefine beauty and empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness.”Complementing these showcases, an art exhibition will display the work of artists with disabilities, celebrating their perspectives and contributions to creative expression. Workshops led by the ILO and APINDO will provide practical strategies for fostering inclusivity in workplaces, furthering the vision of equality and opportunity for all.“Through this initiative, we are inviting society to rethink its perceptions and embrace inclusivity,” Mr Gaspar said. “Art and fashion are powerful tools to spark conversations and inspire change.”, filtered_html

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Press Release

29 October 2024

UN Day 2024 Youth Event Highlights Comics, Creativity and Global Cooperation

Jakarta, October 26, 2024Climate change, digitization and global peace are the topics of the three comics that won the youth competition organized by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Jakarta, in collaboration with Bumilangit, an entertainment company in Indonesia that features Indonesian superheroes in their comics to commemorate United Nations Day, 24 October.The "Reshaping the Future" Youth Comic Competition encouraged young Indonesians to use comics as a medium for expressing their thoughts on global challenges. With Bumilangit superheroes as their inspiration, participants creatively explored issues that mattered most to their generation.Miklos Gaspar, UNIC Director, emphasized the importance of youth engagement through creative platforms: “Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but are making a difference already today. Initiatives like the comic competition provide a platform for young people to creatively engage with the world’s challenges, allowing them to express their ideas and envision out-of-the-box solutions. UNIC and our partners amplify these voices, as they hold keys to a more sustainable and peaceful future.”To award the winners and hold a discussion on global challenges and potential solution, UNIC, and the United Nations Association of (UNA) Indonesia hosted the UN Day 2024 celebration at National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta today. The event engaged the public through interactive activities and discussions on climate change, youth and digital innovation, and global cooperation and peace. At the heart of the discussions was the Pact for the Future, a new global treaty adopted by UN Member States last month, a landmark declaration pledging concrete actions towards a more peaceful and sustainable world for future generationsThe winners of the competition showcased their talent. Oei Alice Zita Kusuma, 20, from West Jakarta, depicted Sri Asih fighting crime in a city overwhelmed by floods and waste, highlighting the urgent issue of climate change and pollution. Mischa Sultana Salwa (16) from South Jakarta, focused on youth and digitalization, exploring both the benefits and drawbacks of technology use and with Virgo encouraging its responsible use. Ashley Maryam, 20, also from South Jakarta, centred her comic on global peace, featuring Si Buta, Sri Asih, and Virgo working together to promote cooperation and the role of all in building a peaceful world. Agung Rachmawan, Vice President of Bumilangit, highlighted the value of collaborating with young talents: “We were thrilled to partner with the UN in this effort. Using our superheroes to inspire youth to think critically about global issues aligned perfectly with Bumilangit’s mission to promote empowerment and inclusivity. This collaboration went beyond just comics; it was about giving young voices a platform to imagine, engage, and create a better future for everyone.”The UN Day celebration was designed to be more than just an event—it was a call to action for communities to come together, learn, and collaborate. Attendees participated in various interactive activities, such as "Networking Tarot," where they engaged in discussions about personal growth and careers using prompt cards. The "Vision Boards to the UN" activity allowed participants to express their hopes for the future through creative visual boards, while the "Letters to the UN" session offered a symbolic way for attendees to share their messages on plantable seed paper, signifying sustainability and growth.Bagas Jatikusuma, Secretary General of UNAI, emphasized the transformative role of creativity: “This event demonstrated how creativity can be a powerful tool for positive change. By engaging youth through art and dialogue, we fostered a generation that is not only aware of global challenges but also ready to take action.”For more information, please contact:Siska Widyawati
National Communication Officer, UNIC Jakarta
Phone: +62 878-8488-5489, filtered_html

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