UNAIR NEWS (UNAIR) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering academics and practitioners in the sustainable business landscape through the Indonesia ESG Leaders Forum (IELF) 2025, hosted by its Center for Environmental, Social, and Governance Studies (CESGS). The major forum took place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Indonesia Stock Exchange Building in Jakarta.
The event was a collaborative effort between CESGS UNAIR and the Indonesian Issuers Association (AEI), with additional support from the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and SustainLife Today. Carrying the theme 淭urning Costs into Cash through Impactful Sustainable Strategies, IELF 2025 highlighted cross-sector insights that reframe ESG from a regulatory obligation into a strategic driver of growth, efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Platform for cross-sector dialogue
As an active research and policy advocacy hub for ESG in Indonesia, CESGS positioned IELF 2025 as a platform for cross-sector dialogue, aiming to foster deeper and more collaborative understanding around the nation檚 sustainability transition.
The forum brought together more than 100 participants from diverse industries, including corporate executives, regulators, academics, and sustainability professionals from across the country. It provided a space for meaningful collaboration between the academic and business communities to strengthen impactful ESG adoption.
AEI Chairman Armand Wahyudi Hartono and IDX Director of Information Technology and Risk Management Sunandar officially opened the forum, both emphasizing the importance of synergy between regulators and market participants in fostering a transparent and accountable investment ecosystem.
During the forum, CESGS CEO Prof. Dr. Iman Harymawan stressed the need for a strategic approach to the climate crisis. 淐limate change is fueling greater financial uncertainty. But within these challenges lie opportunities攚here targeted sustainability initiatives can transform environmental and social costs into financial benefits and long-term business resilience, he said. Prof. Harymawan, together with Maria R. Nindita Radyati, President Director of the Institute of Sustainability and Agility, emphasized the urgency of bridging ESG theory and practice for effective implementation across sectors.
Concrete contributions to global standards
As part of its tangible contribution to the alignment of global sustainability reporting standards, CESGS also hosted a dedicated consultation session on IFRS-based sustainability reporting. Led by Fajar Kristanto Gautama Putra (CESGS) and Gilman Pradana Nugraha (AEI), the session introduced the IFRS S2 Playbook攁 practical guide designed to help organizations navigate the latest sustainability reporting requirements.
IELF 2025 also featured two parallel discussion sessions focused on the transition to a low-carbon economy, exploring the application of green and circular economic models. Speakers included: Subkhan (Forum QHSE BUMN Konstruksi), Aninda Dewi Hindrawati (PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur), Annisa Ayu Soraya (IDSurvey), Bondan Winarno (PT Pelindo), Anik Hidayati (PT PELNI), and Evi Jo (PT Bank Central Asia Tbk). The wide range of perspectives and industries represented reinforced the message that ESG is not exclusive to any single sector. Rather, it serves as a strategic cross-industry imperative for achieving sustainable progress.
Driving sustainability through strategy
Prof. Iman Harymawan emphasized that IELF 2025 aims to reshape how businesses view ESG攏ot as a compliance requirement, but as a core strategy for driving financial performance and long-term sustainability. 淲e call on future leaders across industries to help redefine ESG攏ot as a static reporting exercise, but as a catalyst for strategic and impactful business growth, said the Professor of Sustainable Accounting at UNAIR檚 Faculty of Economics and Business.
The forum served as a strong reminder that sustainability is no longer optional or merely a passing trend攊t is a strategic necessity for building resilient businesses in the face of climate and global market volatility. Through inclusive dialogue, shared vision, and real-world collaboration, IELF 2025 is expected to serve as a collective milestone toward the adoption of resilient, inclusive, and responsible business practices that benefit both the environment and society.
Author: CESGS team, Samudra Luhur Pambudi
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
