Bappenas & UNESCAP Outlines Strengthening of Indonesia’s International Role

The Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy, held a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) Armida Alisjahbana, on Thursday (5/12). The meeting reaffirmed Indonesia's strategic role in formulating innovative and collaborative development policies at both national and international levels. 

Minister Rachmat expressed his gratitude for Armida's contributions during her tenure as Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas from 2009 to 2014, discussing key strategic issues, including follow-ups from the recent UN Social and Economic Commission meetings attended by the Indonesian delegation. “Madam Armida has laid a strong foundation at Bappenas, particularly in integrating national development priorities into regional and international agendas. Her contributions are an inspiration and a benchmark for our ongoing efforts,” remarked Minister Rachmat.

The Bappenas delegation previously participated in the 8th Session of the Committee on Social Development, held in Bangkok, Thailand, in October 2024. During the session, Indonesia led discussions on adaptive social protection, an innovative concept aimed at enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities in disaster-prone areas, aligning with the Vision of Indonesia Gold 2045. Indonesia also initiated programs to address demographic challenges, including the growing aging population.

Minister Rachmat highlighted that Indonesia has adopted the Care Economy Roadmap and the 2025-2045 National Action Plan, which includes community-based programs at the village level to provide integrated services for the elderly. As the host of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Population Aging in Bali, Indonesia demonstrated its leadership in the region by advancing key initiatives, such as strengthening inclusive policies and fostering regional collaboration to tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

In closing, Minister Rachmat emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Indonesia and UNESCAP, particularly in developing a more adaptive and inclusive social protection system. “This commitment is key to driving sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of Indonesia's human resources,” he concluded.