UN Office in Indonesia and Data Support for Inclusive Development
The 2030 SDGs target is only 6 years away. One of the toughest challenges: lack of data. The UN is here to address this.
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Head of the United Nations Representative in Indonesia Vivian Julliand (right) calls for the book Those Not Left Behind to the Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources, Bappenas, Vivi Yulaswati, at the launch of the book in Jakarta, 21 March 2024.
The world as a whole has undergone rapid progress in development over the past 30 years. However, this rapid progress has not only produced prosperity, but also inequality and injustice. Many individuals, communities, and countries have only achieved minimal progress, fallen behind, and remain unnoticed.
The principle of "leave no one behind" or no one left behind then became the "mantra" and commitment of the United Nations (UN) to help countries members to successfully implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The principle of leaving no one behind essentially emphasizes three things, namely ending all forms of extreme poverty, reducing inequality, and overcoming discriminatory barriers. The goal is that everyone - without exception - will be able to benefit from sustainable development.
This principle also means prioritizing global development efforts in the poorest countries and fighting for the inclusion of marginalized groups everywhere.
Also read: Achievement of SDGs Targets in the Asia Pacific Region Slows Down
In relation to these efforts, the UN in collaboration with the Indonesian Government and development partners launched a book entitled Those Not Left Behind on March 21 2024 in Jakarta. This book tells 22 true stories and experiences of those who have benefited from UN programs in Indonesia.
Visitors examine photos at the launch of the book Those Not Left Behind published by the UN in collaboration with the Indonesian Government and development partners in Jakarta, March 21 2024.
The book serves as a reminder that development must benefit all citizens, especially those who are most in need, such as the neglected, those living in remote areas, and the forgotten.
Also read: UN General Assembly Begins, World is Warned that SDGs Agenda Could Be Delayed by 42 Years
The Head of the UN Representative Office in Indonesia, Valerie Julliand, said that there are segments of society left behind and not monitored for various reasons. Some are due to geographic reasons, as they live in remote areas. Others are left behind due to limited access to education and employment, such as experienced by people with disabilities.
"With this book, we aim to listen to stories and direct experiences from those who have been assisted by UN programs in Indonesia. Hearing their stories directly motivates us to continue UN's work here," said Julliand.
The book summarizes the life stories of 22 individuals in Indonesia, ranging from fire brigade personnel in peatland areas in Riau, teachers in a school for children with special needs in West Java, to refugees working in the education sector.
"The essence of sustainable development lies in our collective promise not to leave anyone behind. This book brings to life the stories of individuals whose lives have improved through our joint efforts," said Julliand.
Head of UN Representative in Indonesia Valerie Julliand.
Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources at Bappenas, Vivi Yulaswati, added that the strategic partnership between the government of Indonesia and the United Nations is based on the National Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. This cooperation is developed to support Indonesia's development agenda.
Vivi reminds us that as an archipelagic country with the fourth largest population in the world, Indonesia finds it challenging to adhere to the principle of "leave no one behind."
Also read: Indonesia and UN Partnership Strengthens Sustainable Ocean Management Agenda
Although difficult, the government has established three strategies to address it, namely reducing poverty, stopping discrimination, and reaching out to those who are most difficult to reach.
"Our resources are limited in every aspect. Therefore, support from international institutions such as the United Nations is important. The United Nations operates in many fields, such as women, children, culture, development, and others. Many collaborations have been beneficial for the government and society," said Vivi.
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Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Indonesia, Sujala Pant, is displaying a melon she harvested at UD Sasak Tani Kuripan, West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on January 31st, 2024. In Lombok, the UN is implementing a program called Accelerating Sustainable Development Goals Investment in Indonesia (ASSIST), which supports the development of sustainable agriculture.
Data is lacking
Julliand also acknowledged that the greatest challenge in achieving the SDGs lies in the lack of information and data. This is not only happening in Indonesia, but also worldwide. The lack of data on those left behind can be a hindrance. Demographic data is important for policymakers to develop and evaluate social and economic policies.
Julliand emphasized that not much attention is given to marginalized groups in society. "What the UN is doing is strengthening that data. The collected data can be used to develop policies. The government must have accurate and detailed data on the condition of its people in order to reach everyone," said the French woman.
The government must have accurate and detailed data about the condition of its people so that it can reach everyone.
To obtain complete, detailed, and accurate data, the United Nations has conducted a second study that can identify who is marginalized. There are at least 10 disadvantaged community groups, including women, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, coastal communities, individuals from minority sexual groups, indigenous peoples or native populations, and children.
The second study conducted by the United Nations in Indonesia specifically looks at what causes residents to be left behind, what obstacles limit their access to development, and what challenges they face.
Also read: Indonesia's Sustainable Development Report
"In this second study, not only were general groups of people with disabilities identified, but also those in remote areas such as Nusa Tenggara, Sumba, and Papua. Researchers were involved in finding the data," said Julliand.
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The 2020 Population Census officers are verifying data in the field at RW 003 in Galur Sub-district, Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta on September 2, 2020. This recording is carried out to produce a single data of Indonesia's population, which will later become the basis for decision making in various fields.
With this second study, it is hoped that it can provide more comprehensive information that can assist the government, civil society, and all stakeholders. Without complete data, policies made will not be effective since it will not be known who is left behind, in which areas they are located, and what their needs are.
Also read: Creating an Inclusive City for People with Disabilities
The issue also affects disabled groups, for example. Because they do not know where they are or what their needs are, these groups are unable to access education and employment. However, if the environment and systems are supportive and their needs are known, all of these things can be provided.
"They who have disabilities also have abilities. If we focus only on their abilities, their lives can also change for the better," said Julliand.
The findings in the report highlight specific challenges faced by the disabled community and outline strategic insights to promote inclusive development.
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(Illustration) A number of visually impaired individuals from the Visually Impaired Forum filed a lawsuit at the West Java Regional People's Representative Council office in Bandung, West Java, demanding equal employment rights on October 23, 2014.
Not to be left behind, the study offers operational guidelines to not leave anyone behind, emphasizing the importance of adopting a rights-based approach, developing solutions with specific contexts, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders.
Also read: Difficult access to work, young people with disabilities live in poverty
Vivi added that the National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) conducted twice a year by the Central Statistics Agency has added nine questions related to disabilities. Now, the government can obtain more detailed information about the condition of disabilities in various regions.
However, Vivi admitted that the definition and understanding of disability in society are not all the same. As a result, counting the number of people with disabilities is not easy.
"We are still learning from the experiences of other countries in order to meet the needs of all citizens, including persons with disabilities, so that they can have access to education and employment," said Vivi.
