Asean Cooperation on Environmentally Sustainable Cities: Implications for Development in Palembang (South Sumatera)

Abstract

This paper analyzed how local entities through the activity of city diplomacy could strengthened the environmentally sustainable integrated region. For the ASEAN regional level, the commitment to environmentally sustainable development is illustrated in the ASEAN Cooperation on Environmentally Sustainable Cities where local government is placed as the main actor and one of seven strategic plan priorities under the characteristic sustainable of cooperation within the ASEAN Cooperation on Environment, which is also under the ASEAN Socio-Culture Community blueprint 2025. This Cooperation aims to create the most liveable cities/urban areas, with the key indicators are clean water, clean land, and clean air and Palembang as a proper example of the development. This study used a qualitative research method that is exploratory and descriptive, where the depth and context of the data are important. Data from this study consisted of secondary data and primary data obtained from resource person who are relevant and reliable. The author concludes that ASEAN ESC Model Cities Program as one of the instruments, has upgraded the local capacity building of Palembang in terms of funding, human resources and innovation. Bottom up initiative on the pilot project of solid waste management in Palembang, as a form of the environmental city diplomacy plays a prominent role, keeping in mind that urban problems are getting more complex to be overcome through a state-centric mechanism.