Jakarta, February 18–19, 2025. Amid global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, one essential question continues to echo: Are our actions truly making a difference? It’s not just about how many trees we’ve planted or how many workshops we’ve held—it’s about whether those efforts translate into real, lasting change on the ground.

This question lay at the heart of “Beyond Numbers: Understanding Impact Measurement for Sustainable Solutions,” an intensive training hosted by IKI Hub Indonesia in collaboration with harapura impact. Held in Jakarta on February 18–19, 2025, the training convened practitioners, researchers, and decision-makers across sectors to explore more meaningful approaches to impact measurement.

From Reporting Activities to Capturing Real Impact

The event opened with remarks from Karin Allgoewer, Programme Manager at GIZ Climate and Biodiversity Hub Indonesia, who emphasized the importance of shifting beyond numbers to transparent, accountable narratives of success. “We want to make IKI’s support visible—not only through numbers, but through real, tangible impacts,” she stated.

One of the most engaging sessions was the Firechat Talk: Measuring What Matters, moderated by Lishia Erza from harapura impact. The panel featured three leading voices:

• Vikra Ijas, CEO of Kitabisa, emphasized, “Impact should move beyond anecdotes to data-driven stories.”

• Satya Reza Faturakhmat, Sustainable Investment Manager at Konservasi Indonesia, shared innovations in impact-linked finance: “We tie loan interest rates to impact performance, incentivizing measurable change.”

• Eric Natanael from harapura impact underscored the vast landscape of available tools: “There are many tools to measure impact—seek and adapt the one that fits your vision best.”

Aligning Impact Metrics with the SDGs

Another session delved into the SDG Impact Standards and the five dimensions of impact, offering frameworks to evaluate how initiatives contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. Ivy Londa, Managing Partner at harapura impact, reminded participants: “There’s no perfect data—impact measurement is a continuous journey.”

From Data to Decision-Making

Roy Ferdy, a researcher specializing in quantitative and social impact measurement, led a deep dive into methodologies ranging from stakeholder engagement and impact mapping to Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis. “Outcomes represent lasting change, not just short-term outputs,” he explained.

Transparency and Communicating Impact

One of the most relevant sessions for us in public communication was on strategies for effective impact storytelling. Tiara Mahardika from harapura impact stressed, “Effective storytelling combines data, real-life experiences, and action.” This was a powerful reminder for us at Relung Indonesia that data without narrative risks losing its power to inspire change.

Meanwhile, Wendy König from IKI ZUG reminded participants that transparency in reporting isn’t just about compliance—it’s essential for maintaining credibility and consistency in program implementation, particularly in Global South contexts like Indonesia.

Reflections and Key Takeaways

Eka Bagus Panuntun, representing Relung Indonesia, found the training not only enlightening but also energizing. It renewed our spirit in advancing environmental advocacy efforts across Indonesia. In the face of challenges in reporting community-based projects, the sessions on impact mapping and stakeholder engagement offered new pathways for developing more contextual and meaningful success indicators.

The training also served as a warm collaborative space—bringing together perspectives from the private sector, donor agencies, and civil society. We left with a better-equipped toolbox, an expanded network, and a reinforced commitment to move beyond numbers.

Because in the end, sustainability isn’t about how much we do—it’s about how deeply we transform lives and nature for the better. 🌱🌍

#IKIHubIndonesia #ClimB #ClimateandBiodiversityHubIndonesia #ImpactMeasurement #RelungIndonesia #BeyondNumbers