Indonesia is facing challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainable Development Report ranks Indonesia in 102 place, while Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam at 68, 97, and 54 respectively.
“Of 17 pillars of the SDGs, there are 8 that still need major changes,” said Dr. Vivi Yulaswati, MSc, Director of Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare in National Development Planning Agency, when becoming keynote speaker in the opening of the 21st International Conference of Social Development (ICSD) in Grha Sabha Pramana UGM on Tuesday (16/7).
The conference is conducted by Social Development and Welfare Department Universitas Gadjah Mada in collaboration with the International Conference for Social Development, Arizona State University, Singapore University of Social Science and Indonesian Association of Social Development.
Vivi Yulaswati explained the eight pillars were: hunger, health and welfare, clean water and sanitation, infrastructure, sustainable industry and innovation, gaps reduction, fair environment, fair and responsible institution, and partnership.
Meanwhile in his remarks, Governor of the Province of Yogyakarta Special Region, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, said we had entered the fourth year of the SDGs. The target of the SDGs until year 2030 would mark the concept of development that was run by countries. The Indonesian government, he said, implemented the penta-helix development concept. “Five elements that are interrelated in achieving the sustainable development are government, society, academics, businessman, and the media,” he said.
According to Sri Sultan, the five elements could be the foundation for the SDGs in 2030. He expected, however, that many suggestions can be shared from the conference related to social research and practices from countries.
Meanwhile, Rector of UGM said the international conference was relevant to global issues, particularly to accelerating development in each country, including Indonesia. “The Indonesian government has worked hard on the SDGs by engaging as many stakeholders as possible, such as universities,” he said.
The Rector hoped the conference would produce brilliant research outcomes and the right forum for critical discussion as well as creative ideas for application.
Reportedly, as many as 250 social development experts from 28 countries will share thoughts and experience of respective countries in the concept of social development enhancement in order to achieve the SDGs. The social development enhancement themed conference will last from 16-19 July at UGM.