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SDG Academy Indonesia: Accelerating SDGs through Three Main Programs

Updated: Apr 24

SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are the latest global collaboration that has been implemented since the end of the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) – the successor to address existing and emerging threats, e.g., climate change and inequalities, at the local and global levels. SDGs started on January 01, 2016, comprising 17 goals with 169 targets that aim to end all forms of poverty and encourage everyone to be involved in the achievements of SDGs. These points are several key differences between SDGs and MDGs (SDGF).


As the scope of SDGs is greater, more universal, and inclusive – compared to the MDGs, it is labeled as ambitious goals because the SDGs initiatives need to intervene in multiple sectors at all levels. Moreover, the 17 goals of SDGs need to be achieved by every country – despite their income levels. Other than that, the lifespan of SDGs is by the year 2030, then it is a must to work on SDGs initiatives with multi-sectoral partnerships, including CSOs, NGOs, local communities, private sectors, youth groups, faith-based organizations, and higher education institutions. Based on these characteristics of SDGs, thus achieving SDGs is harder and more complex than MDGs.


In my country, the Government of Indonesia (GoI) has committed to pursuing SDGs through its ratification alongside other countries and implemented various projects and approaches to localize the 17 goals of SDGs with support from various implementing and contributing partners (UN SDGs Indonesia). Regarding the approach, there are known four development pillars of SDGs that aim at social development, environmental development, economic development, and law & governance development (Bappenas). These pillars are the core of SDGs in Indonesia (See Figure 1). The GoI appoints Bappenas (Indonesian Ministry of National Development Planning) as the main engine to work on any SDGs projects and approaches within this country.


Figure 1. Four pillars of sustainable developments in Indonesia
Figure 1. Four pillars of sustainable developments in Indonesia

Through the collaboration of effort, finance, data, and expertise across sectors and organizations, Bappenas has achieved notable progress toward the SDGs. One of these achievements was the establishment of SDG Academy Indonesia on October 7, 2019. Bappenas, UNDP Indonesia, and the Tanoto Foundation are the initiators and core supporters of SDG Academy Indonesia. This platform aims to promote the SDGs among Indonesians, cultivate SDG enthusiasts who are ready to support the SDGs in their areas of work, and accelerate the progress of the SDGs through collaboration among its members. Currently, there are three main programs on this platform: (1) SDG Mobile Learning, (2) SDG Leadership Program, and (3) SDG Study Abroad Program (SDG Academy Indonesia Programs).


Figure 2. The 3rd certification batch of the SDG Leadership Program in 2022 (
Figure 2. The 3rd certification batch of the SDG Leadership Program in 2022 (

Specifically related to the SDG Leadership Program, SDG Academy Indonesia has certified more than 40 professionals from two certification batches since last year. These certified professionals, who come from various backgrounds and areas of expertise, were selected from hundreds of applicants across Indonesia to take this certification program. They passed the certification requirements to graduate from this program and hold the credential as an SDG-certified Leader. At the moment of writing this article, the third batch of the certification is ongoing. There are about 45 participants in the third certification batch. The certification started in February and will end in June 2022—around six months to complete the SDG Leadership Program consisting of workshops, quizzes, group discussions, presentations, and mentorships (see Figure 2).


One of the outputs of this program is to develop SDG-related initiatives that are prepared by groups of participants based on selected themes. Of several proposed initiatives, one good example is the project that aims at developing the capacity of youths in Sumba Island, namely, PIJAR (Pelatihan Intensif Pekerja Muda Terampil) SUMBA. Basically, PIJAR SUMBA is the local version of the national project made by the Central Government to develop the tourism sector in promising provinces of Indonesia through technology investments. The Government of Indonesia found that Sumba Island has significant potential in the tourism sector. Moreover, Sumba Island could become more like other famous and exotic islands, such as Bali and Karimunjawa.


Figure 3. The beauty of Sumba, as a famous destination for tourism, hides the societal issues there, including poverty, malnutrition, being prone to natural disasters, and inequality.
Figure 3. The beauty of Sumba, as a famous destination for tourism, hides the societal issues there, including poverty, malnutrition, being prone to natural disasters, and inequality.

By looking at the program at the national level and the growing needs for soft infrastructure (e.g., capacity building and mentorship) on Sumba Island, PIJAR SUMBA sets its main goal to promote digital transformation in the tourism of Sumba Island through sustainable training for youths with a local context—integrated with DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) and GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) approaches. The concept of sustainability is the main foundation of PIJAR SUMBA, as it consists of four stages: (1) Socialization, (2) Training, (3) Accompaniment, and (4) Monitoring. Monitoring is the stage that assesses whether the life cycle will continue or not because the implementation of PIJAR SUMBA should address the needs of the Sumba people.


Figure 4. PIJAR SUMBA answers the needs of locals and trends in the tourism sector by integrating with DRR and GEDSI approaches.
Figure 4. PIJAR SUMBA answers the needs of locals and trends in the tourism sector by integrating with DRR and GEDSI approaches.

Regarding the concept of SDGs, PIJAR SUMBA presents a similar foundational concept known as the Sustainable PIJAR Cycle (see Figure 5). Each cycle of PIJAR SUMBA should be tailored to meet the needs of target communities, particularly beneficiaries, and align with current trends. Achieving the primary goal requires sustainable key partners. With opportunities for national-level partnerships, PIJAR SUMBA can be implemented with support from CSOs and private companies in the telecommunications and finance sectors. These entities are crucial for realizing the PIJAR SUMBA initiative, as it requires both expertise and funding. Additionally, other partners, such as local NGOs, universities, community leaders, and youth groups, will also contribute to achieving the desired outcomes.

Figure 5. The concept of the Sustainable PIJAR Cycle is the core of PIJAR SUMBA which is to ensure sustainable impacts continue for the local communities of Sumba Island, especially beneficiaries.
Figure 5. The concept of the Sustainable PIJAR Cycle is the core of PIJAR SUMBA which is to ensure sustainable impacts continue for the local communities of Sumba Island, especially beneficiaries.

PIJAR SUMBA is one example of many other SDG-related initiatives that are developed in the SDG Leadership Program. Besides PIJAR SUMBA, other SDG-related initiatives focus on the implementation of governance practices, local community empowerment, and solid waste management. Even though it might take time and effort to realize all of the concepts and ideas from each group, these works show the commitment of all participants to be contributors to SDGs and prove that everyone has the power and opportunity to bring the best work that would benefit their surroundings and shape this world – people, prosperity, planet, partnership, and peace (UN Foundation).


Ultimately, facilitated by the SDG Academy Indonesia, PIJAR SUMBA is one SDG-related initiative that shows the commitment and hopes to make a better world for everyone, starting with the locals of Sumba Island. Moreover, the SDG Leadership Program is only one of three main programs of the SDG Academy Indonesia, which means more results will be given from this platform to the achievement of SDGs in Indonesia. Still, the road to achieving the 17 goals of SDGs is far and even seems to have no end, yet with creativity, innovation, and partnership with multi-sectoral partnerships at the local and global levels, it brings hope to this world, because everyone in every country deserves to have a better life, and SDGs are the universal key to making it happen.

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