On August 6, 2024, the Indonesia Cleaner Production Center (ICPC) took a prominent role at the “C-ASEAN Forum – Pioneering the Future of ASEAN Green Procurement” in Thailand. This event, hosted by the ASEAN Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ACESP) under the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), in collaboration with C Asean and the Thailand Supply Chain Network, brought together key stakeholders from across ASEAN. 

The forum was attended by over 300 participants, including government officials, industry practitioners, sustainability experts, and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Stakeholders from various ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, gathered with the shared goal of advancing sustainable procurement in the region. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnerships in addressing the challenges and realizing the transformative potential of Green Procurement within ASEAN.

Representing Indonesia, ICPC was invited as an NGO committed to Resource Efficient Cleaner Production (RECP) and sustainability programs in the country. A key highlight of the forum was the presentation by ICPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Timotheus Lesmana, titled “Green Sourcing Guidelines with Innovative Strategies: The Key to the Future of ASEAN Green Procurement.” Mr. Lesmana emphasized that Green Sourcing Guidelines are essential not only for meeting environmental standards but also for driving innovation and resource efficiency among suppliers and manufacturers. These guidelines provide a strategic framework for embedding sustainability into procurement processes, ensuring that each purchasing decision contributes to environmental preservation and resource optimization.

Green Public Procurement (GPP) is becoming increasingly strategic and crucial in encouraging producers to adopt sustainable practices. Government procurement of goods and services accounts for approximately 10-15% of total national expenditures in most ASEAN countries, providing a significant incentive for the development of green products. For example, in Indonesia, government procurement represents a substantial portion of GDP, creating a strong market for sustainable goods and services.

ICPC’s approach stands out by integrating RECP tools within the Green Sourcing Guidelines. RECP focuses on optimizing the use of resources such as energy, water, and raw materials while minimizing waste and emissions. This approach is particularly relevant for ASEAN, where balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability remains a significant challenge. The presentation also delved into the business development of Green Public Procurement (GPP), highlighting its strategic role in promoting sustainable practices across the region. ICPC outlined key strategies and best practices for effective GPP implementation, aiming to empower governments, businesses, and stakeholders to adopt procurement practices that are both sustainable and economically advantageous.

Similarly, other ASEAN countries are at various stages of developing and implementing GPP policies, with countries like Singapore and Malaysia leading the way, while others are in the early stages of policy formulation and capacity building. ICPC’s participation in the C-ASEAN Forum underscored its commitment to advancing the green procurement agenda in ASEAN. By offering practical guidelines, innovative strategies, and a clear linkage to RECP tools, ICPC aims to empower governments, businesses, and stakeholders to adopt sustainable procurement practices. This initiative not only helps meet current environmental standards but also positions ASEAN as a leader in global sustainability efforts.

In conclusion, the C-ASEAN Forum marked a significant milestone in advancing ASEAN’s sustainable procurement efforts. ICPC’s contributions, particularly its integration of Green Sourcing Guidelines with RECP tools, are poised to have a lasting impact on the region’s procurement practices, ensuring that ASEAN remains at the forefront of global sustainability.

Author : Monica Evanty P