Jakarta, November 12, 2024 – Alexandra Askandar, Vice President Director of Bank Mandiri and Chairwoman of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Indonesia (ILUNI FEB UI), emphasized the importance of exploring green economy strategies as a solution to climate change and the current limitations of natural resources, issues faced by both Indonesia and the global community. Alexandra delivered this message at the ILUNI FEB UI Breakfast Forum, which was themed “Can the Green Economy Become a New Source of Economic Growth?” and the launch of the ILUNI FEB UI Green Economy Book titled “Grounding the ESG & Green Economy in Indonesia” attended by Alumni and stakeholders.
Also attending to deliver keynote speeches were Prof. Bambang PS Brodjonegoro, Professor at FEB UI and Special Economic Advisor to the President (FEB UI Class of 1985), and Prof. Mari Elka Pangestu, Professor at FEB UI and Special Presidential Envoy for Trade and Deputy Chair of the National Economic Council. The event was also continued with a panel discussion featuring Ubaidillah Nugraha, Independent Commissioner of PT BRI Life (FEB UI 1991); Christy Desta Pratama, Associate Economist at Conservation Strategy Fund (FEB UI 2000); and Alin Halimatussadiah, Head of Green Economy and Climate Change Studies, LPEM FEB UI (FEB UI 1994).
In the opening speech, Alexandra who is also the FEB UI Alumni Class of 1990 highlighted that the green economy is more than just a concept, it is a transformative approach that has the potential to drive sustainable economic growth. “As the global landscape evolves and demands that we adapt, now is the time to harness the green economy as a new engine of economic growth that not only generates financial gains but also preserves environmental sustainability,”
The application of the green economy spans multiple sectors and can create new jobs, enhance resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts. Alexandra pointed out that this approach strengthens Indonesia’s position in the global market while supporting commitments to reduce carbon emissions and environmental harm.
According to modeling simulations by the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia, implementing a green economy could yield substantial long-term benefits for Indonesia, including an average GDP growth of 6.3% from 2025 to 2045. This transition could create around 1.7 million environmentally friendly jobs by 2045, which would account for 38% of new workforce additions. Therefore, cross-sector collaboration is essential to reach these goals, a mission for which ILUNI FEB UI, with its broad membership across diverse sectors, can play a strategic role.
In this discussion, Alexandra invited participants to jointly explore how applying green economy principles can open new job opportunities, increase resource efficiency, and mitigate environmental impacts. “The green economy helps us create a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, making it a crucial strategy for Indonesia’s future,” she added
As a tangible commitment to the green economy, Alexandra announced a new initiative by FEB UI alumni from the class of 1990 to donate a charging station to the FEB UI campus. This initiative aims to support the campus’ vision of environmental responsibility and the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within the academic community. Alexandra hopes this contribution will inspire other alumni to also contribute to sustainability efforts and provide meaningful benefits for the campus and society.
In closing, Alexandra urged all parties to work together to advance the green economy for a better future for Indonesia, saying, “Let us open our minds and explore how we can leverage the green economy as a foundation for better and more sustainable economic growth in Indonesia.”
