URTF is a multi-donor trust fund run by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Its funds are used to support community activities to improve infrastructure and school facilities to better withstand climate impacts, as well as encourage regenerative urban agriculture to increase food security in Nusantara.
"Through the Urban Resilience Trust Fund, ADB will support various urban projects in Nusantara," said Jiro Tominaga, ADB director for Indonesia, during "The Indonesia Urban Resilience Forum" in Jakarta on Tuesday.
"In Nusantara, our goal is to showcase new urban models that are sustainable, inclusive, livable, pleasant, and climate resilient," he said.
With a total fund of US$82.12 million, URTF is helping cities in 24 countries, including Indonesia, reduce climate and disaster risks through technical assistance and innovative investments. The fund focuses on adaptation, green solutions, and climate finance.
In addition to Nusantara, Jakarta will receive US$1.5 million in technical assistance to explore new revenue streams, particularly carbon pricing, to support climate action initiatives.
"These pioneering projects are expected to provide valuable insights and lessons for other cities in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region in general," Tominaga said.
On the same occasion, UK development director for Indonesia, Amanda McLoughlin, expressed optimism about the development of Nusantara in East Kalimantan after visiting the area in February.
"We also met with local farmers and heard about the challenges they face in climate change and how their agricultural practices that are critical to their livelihoods and food security in the new city are affected by climate change," McLoughlin said.
"The Urban Resilience Trust Fund will provide technical assistance to support local communities to adapt and strengthen their resilience to these impacts," she added.
"The UK is committed to supporting Indonesia in developing Nusantara, in line with its ambition to become a smart green city," she affirmed.
The forum was hosted by the ADB, FCDO, and Indonesia's Ministry of National Development Planning. It involved more than 130 decision-makers and development partners at international and city levels.
The forum offered a key platform to understand the urban resilience landscape in Indonesia, showcase lessons learned from initiatives, identify priority areas of support, and explore financing opportunities for cities.
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Translator: M Baqir Idrus Alatas, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Anton Santoso
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