Indonesia Climate Change Expo and Forum (ICCEF) 2023: Commemorating World Environment Day and Welcoming COP28 UNFCCC

Surabaya, July 7, 2023 - In commemoration of World Environment Day, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) organized the Indonesia Climate Change Expo and Forum (ICCEF) 2023 at Grand City Surabaya from July 6 to 9, 2023. Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas, as one of the participants, also supported this event.

The exhibition aims to educate the Indonesian public, especially the younger generation, to become part of the solution through various tangible environmental conservation actions. ICCEF 2023 is a series of activities leading up to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28 UNFCCC) in 2023, which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

"Currently, the world faces significant challenges. The planet is facing triple planet challenges, namely climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. These three are interconnected and require urgent attention," said Agus Justianto, Director-General for Sustainable Forest Management at KLHK.

"In the midst of this crisis, there is no other choice but to work together. It is a call for all of us to accelerate real actions to combat these challenges," he added.

In this exhibition, APP Sinar Mas showcases various products from local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through community empowerment programs. These empowerment programs include the Village Prosperity Fire Care (DMPA) program and mill CSR programs.

The DMPA program has empowered MSMEs in 421 villages across 5 provinces. Besides improving the well-being of the community, this program is also designed to preserve the environment, including preventing forest and land fires. Meanwhile, the mill CSR program has supported MSMEs in 100 villages involved in various sectors, ranging from horticulture and processed food industries to handicrafts.

"Through the Sustainability Roadmap Vision (SRV) 2030 as the foundation for APP Sinar Mas' sustainable business, we hope to continue innovating and ensuring the sustainability of the environment and the surrounding communities," said Suhendra Wiriadinata, Director of APP Sinar Mas, separately.

"We believe that collaboration with various stakeholders will support Indonesia in addressing environmental challenges," he expressed.

Some MSMEs supported by APP Sinar Mas participating in this exhibition include those under PT Ekamas Fortuna Malang, such as Batik Kaputren, which empowers and enhances the economy of women around the company. Additionally, MSMEs supported by PT Pabrik Kertas Tjiwi Kimia Tbk promote snack products, while other crafts made from kur rope are created by women in the vicinity of the company.

ICCEF 2023 is attended by more than 120 institutions, including ministries/agencies, local governments, private companies, state-owned enterprises and investments, NGOs/organizations, and universities. This event demonstrates the collective commitment to address pressing environmental and climate change challenges.