LTKL and Apkasi Establish Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Regional Financing for Green Economy Development
The Secretariat of Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL) has officially partnered with the Association of Indonesian Regency Governments (Apkasi) in a strategic program aimed at strengthening advocacy for alternative regional financing to support green economy development in LTKL member regencies. The signing of the memorandum of understanding took place on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Apkasi Secretariat Office in Jakarta.
This partnership aims to enhance the capacity of regency governments in accessing alternative funding sources that can be utilized to support sustainable green economy programs. LTKL and Apkasi will develop various initiatives, including policy advocacy, technical assistance, and facilitating collaborations with development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector. These efforts are intended to create more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable regional economic growth.
LTKL Secretariat Head, Ristika Putri Istanti, and Apkasi Executive Director, Sarman Simanjorang, sign the memorandum of understanding.
The Head of the LTKL Secretariat, Ristika Putri Istanti, emphasized that Apkasi is a strategic partner in ensuring that the lessons learned from the transformation process of LTKL member districts can be widely shared with other districts across Indonesia, which are members of Apkasi. “Over the next few years, LTKL and Apkasi will run joint programs. This year, we will focus on fostering collaboration and promoting local government innovation, particularly in policies that encourage regional financial independence through innovative funding mechanisms,” Ristika stated.
Meanwhile, Apkasi’s Executive Director, Sarman Simanjorang, reaffirmed that this collaboration aligns with Apkasi’s vision of strengthening regional capacity and independence. “Our shared goal is to synergize advocacy programs and strategic issues, particularly concerning regional economic self-sufficiency. We aim to explore alternative financing and innovative, creative development strategies while ensuring that regional development adheres to green principles. We want regional development to be maximized while being environmentally sustainable,” he explained.
Mukhlis Abidin, Head of the Program Subdivision at the Apkasi Secretariat, also stated that Apkasi will establish three working groups (Pokja) focusing on enhancing regional economic competitiveness, strengthening governance and public services, and promoting sustainable development and environmental resilience. These working groups will serve as coordination and communication forums to drive the achievement of shared goals between LTKL and Apkasi through this partnership.
Members of the LTKL and Apkasi Secretariats had a group photo after signing the memorandum of understanding.
“We hope this collaboration will not only benefit member regencies of both Apkasi and LTKL but also strengthen inter-secretariat cooperation in facilitating a transition towards a more effective, sustainable, and scalable regional development transformation model,” said Ristika.
Echoing this sentiment, Sarman also expressed his expectations: “We aspire for regencies to develop best practices—becoming self-reliant and sustainable in their key sectors.”
Sarman further added that in 2025, Apkasi will publish a book highlighting 25 best practices across various fields from its member regencies. The book will cover areas such as energy, food security, stunting prevention, education, healthcare, and green economy commitments as part of Apkasi’s 25th-anniversary celebration. LTKL will be involved in the book’s development process.
