Jakarta Futures Forum: Blue Horizons, Green Growth

May 2-3, 2024

Jakarta, Indonesia

The Embassy of India in Jakarta, in partnership with Observer Research Foundation, and the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia hosted the inaugural Jakarta Futures Forum(JFF) on May 2 and 3, 2024. The roundtable was supported by the Asia Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. 

2. JFF is a realization of a long-standing vision and a commitment from both countries to build a meaningful and inclusive future together. The success of this pilot project stands as a testimony to the fact that collective effort and innovative solutions can indeed bring the world not only together, but closer as well. India and Indonesia have the ability and credentials to redefine what inclusion means across various sectors and issues, thereby, ensuring a fairer and more equitable world. Inclusion must be at the forefront of our agenda, as reflected in the Indonesian and Indian G20 communiques.

3. As India and Indonesia commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relationship, the forum celebrated this special relationship between the two maritime neighbours by identifying new dimensions for the bilateral relationship as well as broader relationship with the Indo-Pacific. To take this vision forward, the Jakarta Futures Forum focused on three thematic pillars, namely, Capitalising on Climate: Road to a Sustainable Future; Claiming the Digital Horizons; and The Road to Equality: Investing in Women-led Sustainable Development. 

4. JFF brought together almost 200 distinguished policymakers and practitioners from India, Indonesia and like-minded countries from around the world underscoring the importance of the themes discussed and forging a way forward. 

5. Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia highlighted that the conference theme, 'Blue Horizons, Green Growth’ was inspired by real-life cooperation between the two countries, thus reflecting our shared interests and goals. Recently, a delegation from Coordinating Ministry of Maritime and Investment Affairs, Indonesia visited India to discuss collaboration in biotechnology, digital infrastructure, blue economy and best practices of Midday Meal Programme.

6. Dr. Samir Saran, President of Observer Research Foundation highlighted the pertinent need of both countries to widen their bilateral and regional areas of engagement. He remarked, “Some of the critical areas of cooperation and focus of this forum include digital economy, climate action, blue economy, and women led development. Given the considerable size, historical connections, and shared commitment towards an independent foreign policy, a deepening of the bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia is crucial for shaping the emerging regional architecture in Asia and the Indo-Pacific.”

7. Dino Patti Djalal, Founder and Chairman of Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) set the tone of the event during his inaugural remarks. He remarked that “As we navigate a multipolar world fraught with competition for resources, it's imperative for India and Indonesia to collaborate on issues like climate security and geopolitical rivalries. Just as in 1955, when we rejected the binary options of the Eastern and Western blocs, we must now shape a 21st-century narrative for Asia, one that reflects our aspirations and priorities.”

8. JFF had the privilege of hosting Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia on 2nd May 2024. He kicked off the inaugural plenary session by mentioning, “Historical and cultural resemblances shared between Indonesia and India present an opportunity for potential collaborations. Economic activities in the blue economy and opportunities for the business sectors of the two countries will be the double engine of growth.”

9. The inaugural plenary, Charting New Horizons: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of India-Indonesia Relations in the Indo-Pacific, highlighted three key points: (1) India-Indonesia's economic ties shine amidst global volatility. Exceeding 5% and 7% growth respectively, Indonesia and India mirror economic impact. (2) Bilateral trade surpassed $40 million in 2023, outpacing even Indonesia-US trade. (3) With direct air connectivity & willingness on both sides to widen the scope of cooperation, opportunities are abound. 

10. Ambassador Sandeep succinctly summarized that, “Development aspirations unite India and Indonesia as they navigate resource constraints within democratic frameworks. Both nations recognize the potential of sustainable growth and are turning towards solutions beyond outdated paradigms.”

11. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs, Indonesia, as the Chief Guest on 3rd May 2024, mentioned that, “Indonesia has the potential to become the fourth largest economy in the world by 2045, driven by its large population, coastline, and renewable energy resources. With proper regulation and international collaboration, Indonesia can achieve its economic goals and become a major player in the global economy.”

12. On the occasion of JFF, an MoU was also signed by Dr Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation, India and Dr Curie Maharani Savitri, Executive Director, Indo-Pacific Strategic Intelligence, Indonesia. This collaboration has opened an opportunity to further bolster the bilateral strategic ties and embracing the spirit of the JFF -“inclusion” by bringing Track 1.5 Diplomacy efforts to the fore in India-Indonesia bilateral relations.

13. For information on the forum, visit here: https://www.orfonline.org/event/jakarta-futures-forum-blue-horizons-green-growth