Indonesia launches the Convergence Initiative in Asia-Pacific

Jakarta, Indonesia, 6-8 November 2024 – Indonesia has taken a pioneering step in operationalizing the Convergence Initiative, becoming the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to host a National Inception Workshop for the initiative. Held in Jakarta, the three-day workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from multiple government ministries and over 20 organizations, with attendees ranging from policymakers and technical experts to private sector leaders, youth advocates, and civil society representatives. Organized by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS), FAO Indonesia, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the event culminated in the development of the Convergence Action Blueprint—a strategic framework aimed at integrating food systems and climate agendas.

“Supported by the Hub and the UN, this workshop and its outcomes represent a critical activity for Indonesia to update our strategies and plans,” said Jarot Indarto, Indonesia’s National Food Systems Convenor.

Driving convergence in Indonesia

The workshop opened with an overview of Indonesia’s strides toward integrating food systems and climate objectives. Progress was highlighted in areas such as the national food systems transformation pathway, the Enhanced NDCs 3.0, and strategic roadmaps for the Blue Economy, Circular Economy, Food Loss and Waste reduction, and the Indonesia Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

In her opening remarks, Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources, emphasized Indonesia's commitment to advancing sustainable food systems while recognizing the complexities of its unique geography. She stated: "Indonesia has committed to transforming food availability, productivity, sustainability, and governance at the Food Systems Summit. However, in the world’s largest archipelago, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This workshop is an opportunity to share insights towards a unified approach and identify how we can showcase Indonesia as a convergence model at COP30."

Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, underscored the need for more coordinated efforts to build on this progress: “Indonesia is on a remarkable development trajectory. With 62% of SDGs on track, agriculture—contributing nearly 14% of GDP—plays a vital role, especially in less urbanized areas. Food security and sustainability remain high on the President’s agenda, alongside a commitment to reducing agricultural emissions by 8%.”

Under the new administration, two priority programs – the Free Nutritious Meals Program and the Food Production Centers Program – show great potential to deliver integrated outcomes across food security, climate resilience, and social well-being.

Fostering dialogue and identifying priorities

Over the course of the workshop, participants explored how to bridge Indonesia’s food systems and climate priorities. Four thematic areas were identified for action:

1. Reduction of Food Loss and Waste
2. Promoting Responsible Consumption and Production
3. Advancing the Circular Economy
4. Enabling Blue Transformation

Participants identified 20 key interventions to facilitate the convergence of food systems transformation and climate actions. These interventions will be incorporated into the Convergence Action Blueprint, a comprehensive framework that outlines a shared vision, specific milestones and interventions, and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation.

This collaborative approach reflects the importance of inter-ministerial dialogue, as emphasized by BAPPENAS. “The Convergence Initiative is essential for Indonesia’s food systems transformation agenda,” explained Ifan Martino, Coordinator for the Food Sector at BAPPENAS. “We have a national pathway for food systems transformation and a climate action agenda – now we need to merge these into one cohesive blueprint to maximize mutual benefits.”

Next steps for implementation

The National Convenor’s support team will further refine the Convergence Action Blueprint, consulting with additional ministries to ensure a balanced perspective that integrates food systems and climate priorities. The blueprint’s 20 interventions will be revisited during upcoming dialogues on the national pathway, with updates planned ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4).

The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, in partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team, will provide continued support. Reflecting on the workshop’s outcomes, Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, expressed optimism: “The ideas and collaboration among participants—from government, academia, stakeholders, and experts—were truly inspiring. I am confident we’ll see meaningful progress in Indonesia as a success story for convergence.” Read Stefanos’ full reflections on the workshop in his editorial. 

Voices from the Convergence Workshop

This short video captures key insights from the Convergence Workshop in Jakarta, featuring perspectives from Stefanos Fotiou (UN Food Systems Coordination Hub), Ifan Martino (BAPPENAS), Wahida Maghraby (Ministry of Agriculture), and Resa Ana Dina (IPB University). Hear their reflections on the workshop’s impact and the road ahead for Indonesia’s food systems transformation.

Showcasing Indonesia’s progress at COP29

The outcomes of the workshop were shared at COP29 during a side event titled “Synergizing Food Systems and Climate Action for Equitable Food Systems and a Sustainable Future” at the Food & Agriculture Pavilion on 12 November 2024.

In his presentation, H.E. Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, Vice Minister of BAPPENAS, underlined the country’s commitment to sustainable food systems. “Sustainable food systems are essential for enhancing our human resources, reducing poverty, and protecting our natural resources,” he stated. “Through the Convergence Initiative, we unite these imperatives to create a more resilient, sustainable, and just food ecosystem.”

The event highlighted Indonesia’s leadership in aligning food systems and climate action, positioning it as a model for other countries in the region. For more details, watch the recording.