As a member of Koalisi Ekonomi Membumi (KEM – Earth-Centered Economy Coalition), Paloma Sjahrir Foundation was honored to participate in the talk show titled “Sustainable Plates: Where Local Food Meets Tech, Finance, and Emissions” at IdeaFest 2024 on the 28th of September, 2024 at Jakarta Convention Center. At the event, we embraced invaluable insights and enthusiastically supported the movement towards a sustainable and innovative local food system.
Visionary leaders from various sectors in Indonesia gathered to share how their work contributes to sustainable development, emphasizing innovative strategies to balance tradition with modernity while preserving the environment. Their stories highlight both the challenges and creative solutions shaping Indonesia’s sustainable future.
Nurdana Pratiwi (Enterprise Development Officer, Econusa) discussed the unique natural resilience of Papua, where nutmeg thrives thanks to bird dispersion. Yet, significant logistical hurdles remain, such as the costly transport of goods to Jakarta and the limited availability of authentic Papuan commodities. She stressed the need for community capacity-building and creating efficient supply chains that empower farmers and fishermen to sustain their traditional practices without being forced into narrow production lines.
Cindi Shandoval (CEO, Pinaloka), a heritage leader in Siak Regency, explored the fragile nature of peatland—a prevalent feature in Siak that, if damaged, takes years to recover. Cindy established a sustainable creative center that blends heritage tourism with modern dining, preserving local food traditions while promoting fine dining experiences. She highlighted the struggle of local youths who face minimal job prospects after studying outside their hometowns. Her solution? Sustainable business incubation that enhances the local economy while conserving peat ecosystems.
Saniy Priscila (Chairperson, Pratisara Bumi Foundation) brought insights from Bali, emphasizing the value of local wisdom and traditional technology in sustainable practices. He pointed out that while modern methods often disrupt ecosystems, time-honored practices like tempe production are still relevant and less damaging.
Rama Manusama (Managing Partner, Katalyst Partner) and Vivi Laksana (Investment Director, Equatora Capital) focused on the essential blend of finance and technology in sustainability. Rama argued for integrating traditional and modern technology rather than viewing them as opposing forces. He called for market incentives aligned with sustainability, such as Europe’s policy of deforestation-free cacao imports. Vivi discussed how the investment landscape must adapt to support sustainable growth, moving away from the hyper-growth mindset prevalent in tech to a model focused on long-term resilience and value-added production. She underscored the need for investment structures, such as cooperatives, to attract institutional funding.
Reihan Adilla (CEO, Agrilabs.id) showcased the power of technology to enhance agriculture sustainably. Her team’s development of algorithms for mapping and seasonal planning has boosted yields by up to 30% while using biofertilizers to cut down chemical dependence and protect ecosystems.
These insights illustrate that the fusion of local food traditions with innovative technology, strategic finance, and emission-conscious practices can pave the way for resilient and environmentally harmonious communities. Collaboration across sectors—bringing together local wisdom, modern solutions, and supportive investment models—is key to building a sustainable future for Indonesia and beyond.
