The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), launched by the United Nations (UN) in September 2015, constitute a global program that serves as a benchmark for development in UN member states until 2030. Indonesia has committed itself to support and engage in programs aimed at the attainment of SDGs. This is no small task, however. The geographical arrangement of the Indonesian region, as well as the prosperity gap and infrastructural differences that still stand out between Java and other islands, exist as the main challenges for the achievement of SDGs.

Filantropi Indonesia recognizes that the realisation of SDGs requires multi-stakeholder engagement across a wide range of areas. Even though it has been two years since the announcement of the SDGs, many still do not know about them, or understand what they entail. This has prompted Filantropi Indonesia to educate about, and campaign for SDGs  to a wider audience outside Jakarta through the Philanthropy Forum Learning on SDGs (PLF) Roadshow, with the theme of “SDGs as Capacity Building and Partnership Development Tools”. The roadshow will be held in 7 cities across five different islands: Banjarmasin (South Kalimantan), Makassar (South Sulawesi), Surabaya (East Java), Yogyakarta (DIY), Jambi (Jambi), Bengkulu and Mataram (West Nusa Tenggara).

The PLF also aims to enhance the role and involvement of philanthropic organizations in achieving SDGs. The involvement of philanthropy in achieving SDGs not only has an impact on program optimization in society, but also the capacity building of philanthropy organizations. Through their involvement in SDGs, these organizations can further refine their approach by referring to the targets and indicators as set by the SDGs. They can also scale up the impact and contribution of the programs to social development and global development. The SDGs also provide opportunities for philanthropic agencies to promote their programs and initiatives to national and global communities, expand their networks and explore partnership possibilities with national and global institutions.

Through the roadshow, Filantropi Indonesia will also try to identify problems faced by local philanthropy actors and local governments in understanding SDGs, and to help find solutions together. In the long term, we encourage local philanthropists and foundations to create local associations in their respective regions and create a strong support system for the sector.