Pijar Foundation supported by the UK Government and PoliPoli.Inc Launches ‘FutureGen For Change’, A Global Call to Advance Sustainable City Development in Indonesia

Left: Ferro Ferizka, Pijar Foundation Execeutive Director; Right:Kazuma Ito, PoliPoli CEO

Kyoto, Japan, December 20, 2024 – Progressing sustainable city development demands innovative, collaborative, and technology-driven approaches. To accelerate progress in this area, Pijar Foundation powered by the UK-Indonesia Tech Hub and PoliPoli Inc. has joined forces to launch the FutureGen for Change (FGC) programme. Officially unveiled at the ASEAN-Japan Future Gen Business Leaders' Summit 2024 in Kyoto, FGC is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing sustainable city development through open innovation and evidence-based policymaking.

FutureGen for Change focuses on several critical areas of sustainable city development for 2024, including stunting rate reduction, sustainable urban farming development, adaptation and mitigation to tidal flood challenges, waste management optimization, and air pollution reduction. The programme will invite innovators from Southeast Asia and Japan to bring their solutions to the Indonesian market, addressing these pressing urban challenges. Successful innovators will have the unique opportunity to pilot their solutions in FGC’s partner cities in Indonesia: Bogor (West Java), Semarang (Central Java), and Palembang (South Sumatra).

In collaboration with local city governments, the pilot project outcomes will be meticulously evaluated to measure their effectiveness in driving sustainable urban progress. These results will serve as a foundation for creating evidence-based policy recommendations, providing local governments with actionable insights to shape their sustainability strategies. Successful pilots will also unlock pathways for broader implementation, scaling initiatives from city-specific to regional and even national levels.

"FutureGen for Change is an incredible opportunity for all involved. Innovators will gain invaluable, hands-on experience creating real impact in the Indonesian market, while policymakers can directly observe and benefit from evidence-based solutions," said Cynthia Krisanti, Director of Innovation of Pijar Foundation. "This programme embodies our vision of leveraging innovation to create a tangible and lasting difference in urban sustainability."

PoliPoli Inc. expressed pride in collaborating on the transformative programme, emphasizing their belief that fostering open innovation and cross-border partnerships through FutureGen for Change will catalyze sustainable development and highlight the remarkable talent and potential of innovators in Southeast Asia and Japan.

FutureGen for Change is now accepting applications. Innovators passionate about addressing urban challenges and creating impactful solutions are encouraged to apply. Registration details and programme requirements are available on the official website: https://fgc.futurelestari.com/

This initiative signifies a significant step forward in fostering international collaboration for sustainable urban development. With FutureGen for Change, innovators and policymakers alike are empowered to co-create a future where cities thrive sustainably.

About The UK-Indonesia Tech Hub

The UK-Indonesia Tech Hub is part of the International Tech Hub Network, under the UK Government's Digital Access Programme (DAP) led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The programme promotes digital inclusion and inclusive growth in partner countries. The Hubs forge innovation partnerships between the UK and international tech sectors, stimulate local digital economies, and build high-end digital skills to drive sustainable jobs and growth.

About Pijar Foundation

Pijar Foundation is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and impactful change in Indonesia and beyond. With a mission to empower communities and drive sustainable development, the foundation catalyzes ideas and initiatives that address pressing societal challenges. By engaging in diverse programmes and partnerships across sectors such as technology, education, and environmental sustainability, Pijar Foundation inspires meaningful progress and creates opportunities for individuals and organizations to thrive

About PoliPoli Inc.

PoliPoli aims to create a platform that enables collaborative policymaking between politicians, the government, and society. To become an infrastructure that supports joint policy creation within the community, it plans to use the funds raised to expand its services and develop the organization.