Overview
The Bridge for Cities Workshop, co-hosted by UNIDO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia in Jakarta under the theme “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities”, aimed to facilitate discussions on supporting the development of new cities, such as Nusantara, while also addressing the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in such endeavors.
The workshop featured 20 experienced international and Indonesian speakers, with over 130 participants from various international organizations, ministries, universities, research institutes, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Partners of the workshop include: Ministry of Public Works and Housing of Indonesia, Ministry of Industry of Indonesia, Nusantara Capital City Authority (OIKN), UN-Habitat, UNOPS, and C40 Cities.
UNIDO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia co-host the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
Welcome adresses
Ms. Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, opened the workshop by applauding the Bridge for Cities initiative of UNIDO, a leader in promoting sustainable urban-industrial development. She emphasized the potential of Indonesia’s urbanization, exemplified by the visionary new capital Nusantara that is set to be a green city by restoring tropical forests and leaning towards renewables. UNIDO’s role in greening industrial parks and economic zones was highlighted to foster sustainable urbanization, while the necessity of blended financing models was also stressed in support of delivering clean, green and climate-resilient cities.
Ms. Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, delivers a welcome address to the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
H.E. Mr. Tri Tharyat, Deputy Minister for Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, emphasized the importance of building resilient urban futures, particularly noting the development of Nusantara, which is intended to be a smart, green, and livable city. He stressed the need for international collaboration to attract investment and gain knowledge, experience and best practices for Nusantara, and welcomed the role of UNIDO in this regard. He reiterated that MoFA will continue to strengthen international cooperation to support the development of the new capital city.
H.E. Mr. Tri Tharyat, Deputy Minister for Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, delivers a welcome address to the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
Mr. Jie Zhao, Chief of Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific at UNIDO, commended Indonesia for the visionary and well-planned development of Nusantara. He noted the symbiosis between industry and cities that drives UNIDO to stretch its endeavors from industrial to urban sustainability. While challenges exist, solutions and good practices are essential to address them. He said, as a testament of UNIDO’s unwavering commitment to realizing sustainable urban-industrial development, the annual Bridge for Cities event serves as a platform to identify innovative solutions, enhance partnerships, and plan for the global urban future.
Mr. Jie Zhao, Chief of Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific at UNIDO, delivers a welcome address to the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
Keynote Session
On Bridge for Cities Initiative
Mr. Kanishka Raj Rathore, Senior Programme Expert at UNIDO, made a presentation on the Bridge for Cities as a global initiative that facilitates conversations and partnerships among municipal leaders and urban stakeholders. Themed “Innovative Solutions for the Cities of Tomorrow”, the Bridge for Cities 2024 event will feature key segments including Ministerial Plenary, Mayors Dialogue, Fireside Chat, Financing Roundtable, and sessions dedicated to emerging cities and UNIDO solutions. Climate action, transportation system, poverty reduction, public health, and urban governance are focus areas.
Mr. Kanishka Raj Rathore, Senior Programme Expert at UNIDO, makes a presentation on the Bridge for Cities initiative at the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
On Nusantara and New Cities Development
With two keynote speakers, a panel discussion followed, moderated by Mr. Marco Kamiya, UNIDO Representative for Indonesia and Timor-Leste. It explored the definition and purpose of cities. The panelists highlighted that cities are labor markets, providing easy access to jobs, social amenities, and public goods, while maintaining a close relationship with nature. The discussion underscored the importance of public policy in improving income and well-being, and noted the global interests in Indonesia’s urbanization efforts, which are expected to significantly contribute to Southeast Asia’s economy over the next two decades.
- Yudha Mediawan, Head of the Regional Infrastructure Development Agency of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing of Indonesia, representing the Acting Head of Nusantara, outlined the new capital’s development as a new paradigm of urban living, emphasizing harmony with nature, modern architecture, and efficient, walkable spaces. The city’s development is structured around three zones: the core government area, the capital city area, and the capital city expansion area. Nusantara aims to meet international standards for sustainability and resilience, fostering a healthy lifestyle for its residents.
- Alfonso Vegara, Founder and President of Fundacion Metropoli, highlighted Indonesia’s unique position in global urban planning and the potential of Nusantara to serve as a model for sustainable urban development. He presented case studies from various cities, emphasizing the importance of integrating nature with infrastructure and exploring unconventional transportation options. In particular, he proposed a masterplan for Jakarta to renew its coastal line and to develop in accordance with the new capital.
The keynote session on “Nusantara and New Cities Development” of the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
Main Sessions
Session 1: Driving Productivity and Economic Growth in Cities
Moderated by Mr. John Taylor, Senior Expert at UN-Habitat, this session explored how cities can enhance productivity and economic growth.
- Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG-ASPAC), emphasized the role of cities in fostering economic growth and the need for collaboration. Key strategies include human capital development, infrastructure development, innovation and technology, effective governance and policy, plus sustainability and resilience.
- Salil Dutt, Chief Technical Advisor of the Global Eco-Industrial Park Project at UNIDO, discussed transforming industrial parks into eco-industrial parks to address environmental challenges across the country and in Nusantara.
- Shuhaela Fabya Haqim, Country Director at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) Indonesia, highlighted the importance of integrating sustainable urban elements to prevent urban decay and boost productivity, calling for collaborative efforts to realize Nusantara’s ambitions.
- Wicaksono Sarosa, from the Board of Trustees at the Association of Indonesian Urban Design Experts (IARKI), focused on the importance of connectivity within cities and with external regions, promoting diversity of activities and positioning Nusantara as a hub for Indonesia.
Session 1 on “Driving Productivity and Economic Growth in Cities” of the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
Session 2: Decarbonization and Zero-Carbon Urban Development
This session, moderated by Ms. Shruti Narayan, Managing Director for Regions and Mayoral Engagement at C40, focused on sustainable urban development.
- Marulina Dewi, Chief of Bureau for Territorial Cooperation at the Office of the Governor of Jakarta, detailed Jakarta’s commitment to low-carbon development through its Regional General Energy Plan, aiming for zero emissions by 2050 with projects like solar panels and EV buses.
- Emil Salim, Senior Advisor for Jakarta at the C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF), emphasized the need for cities to access finance for decarbonization projects, highlighting a successful proposal in Jakarta with a quick payback period for renewable energy investments.
- Riezqa Andika, from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Indonesia, discussed the trade-offs in reducing energy consumption in industries and highlighted Nusantara’s use of green cement to support a sustainable construction industry.
- Retno Wihanesta, Senior Program Lead for Urban Transport Planning at the World Resource Institute (WRI) Indonesia, addressed the challenges cities face due to climate change and proposed the Low-Carbon and Resilience Cities Development Plan to improve economic benefits and resilience.
- Endah Tri Kurniawaty, Director of Fundraising and Development at The Indonesian Environment Fund (BPDLH), shared experiences on mobilizing international climate funds and the importance of capacity building for decarbonization and zero-carbon urban development at the national and sub-national levels.
Session 2 on “Decarbonization and Zero-Carbon Urban Development” of the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
Session 3: Financing New Cities Through Innovation
Moderated by Mr. Sharon Thangadurai, UNOPS Country Representative in Indonesia, this session examined innovative financing solutions for urban development.
- Adi Budiarso, Head of the Center for Financial Sector Policy at the Ministry of Finance, highlighted Indonesia’s fiscal stability post-pandemic and the need for transition financing and sustainable finance in the financial sector omnibus law.
- Joris van Etten, Country Operations Head at the Indonesia Resident Mission of ADB, discussed the role of innovative financing solutions such as PPPs, green bonds, and municipal bonds in supporting urban development.
- Amer Bukvic, Representative of the Islamic Development Bank in Indonesia Office, focused on upgrading regulatory environments and institutional capabilities to support innovative financing solutions for cities.
- Budiarsa Sastrawinata, Chair of the IKN Working Group at the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized promoting innovative financing solutions and the need for policy reforms and risk mitigation mechanisms to support urban projects.
- Manasa Suresh, Senior Expert at UNIDO, discussed capital investment in decarbonization projects and shared case studies from India and Malaysia, highlighting the enhancement of EV adoption and infrastructure.
Session 3 on “Financing New Cities Through Innovation” of the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.
Wrap-up
The Bridge for Cities Workshop has served as a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities of urban development in Indonesia and beyond. Focusing on the three pillars of green industry, decarbonization and innovative financing, the workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices in building cities that can thrive in the face of global challenges. The event reinforced the role of cities as engines of economic growth and social mobility, while emphasizing the need for resilience and sustainability in urban planning.
Group photo of guests at the Bridge for Cities Workshop themed “Cities of Tomorrow: Collaborative Strategies for New Cities” at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 August 2024.