TuK INDONESIA and IPB Research Institute Sign Memorandum of Understanding: Strengthening Scientific Collaboration on Sustainable Finance and ESG Issues

TuK INDONESIA has established a strategic partnership with the Institute for Research on International Social, Economic and Regional Development (LRI PSEK) of IPB University through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding held in Bogor (23/06). This collaboration marks the commitment of both parties to strengthen education, research, and capacity-building efforts in sustainable finance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

This Memorandum of Understanding provides a formal basis for both institutions to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, with the goal of supporting the Tri Dharma of Higher Education and encouraging meaningful academic contributions to social and environmental change. The collaboration includes the implementation of education, training, research and development activities, as well as other forms of cooperation relevant to each party’s mandate and authority.

Linda Rosalina, Executive Director of TuK INDONESIA, emphasized that the collaboration with IPB is part of an effort to strengthen the scientific foundation of TuK’s ongoing advocacy.
“We believe that the voices of affected communities become stronger when supported by solid research and data. IPB is an important partner in bringing academic knowledge into spaces of social and ecological justice,” she said.

Meanwhile, Prof. Arya Hadi Dharmawan, Head of LRI PSEK, welcomed the collaboration and stressed the importance of campus involvement in addressing real problems in society. According to him, LRI PSEK shares the same perspective and therefore supports TuK INDONESIA’s initiative in developing a negative list for companies involved in deforestation, forest degradation, environmental pollution, and agrarian conflicts or disputes.

“This step is important to push for transparency and accountability in the business sector, as well as to encourage financial institutions to exercise caution in disbursing credit. The banking sector needs to be more careful in funding only those companies without a problematic record regarding natural resources and the environment. This effort is in line with IPB’s commitment to promoting accountable, transparent, responsible, and sustainable governance of natural resources and the environment, and to protecting the rights of affected civil society,” said Prof. Arya.

This Memorandum of Understanding will remain in effect for three years from the date of signing and may be extended or terminated based on mutual agreement. During this period, both parties will collaborate in designing and carrying out various joint activities including policy research, academic publications, academic forums, and data-based public campaigns.

Through this collaboration, TuK INDONESIA and IPB Research Institute hope to encourage the development of a more progressive and impactful knowledge ecosystem in realizing a fair, transparent, and responsible financing system that prioritizes communities and the environment.

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