Jakarta. Dozens of companies were awarded on Tuesday for their commendable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards during the appreciation gala hosted by the business newspaper Investor Daily, an affiliate of B-Universe Media Holdings.

These companies were carefully chosen based on their activities devoted to positive environmental and social impacts, adherence to good governance principles, public assessments conducted by the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), and ESG certifications from reputable rating firms.

The final assessment to select winners in seven categories was conducted by an independent jury assisted by ESG experts Uun Sunarsih and Erna Lovita.

Inarno Djajadi, Commissioner of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), highlighted the event's significance in raising awareness among Indonesian companies about responsible business practices, especially as more investors prioritize environmental and social considerations.

Many investors use ESG standards to screen their investments, favoring companies that promote responsible business practices to safeguard the environment and support the local community, he added.

While ESG investing is becoming a global trend, it remains relatively new for most companies in Indonesia.

"ESG investing generates not only financial benefits but also a positive impact on society and the environment," Inarno said in his opening remarks at the event held at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski in Jakarta.

The Indonesia Stock Exchange introduced carbon trading in September to facilitate listed companies in implementing corporate climate policies and helping the government achieve net-zero emission targets.

According to Inarno, the carbon exchange has since facilitated transactions equivalent to 500,000 tons of carbon.

During the occasion, B-Universe Executive Chairman Enggartiasto Lukita said Indonesia has adopted a set of regulations on ESG investing and carbon trading to help companies obtain the necessary certifications.

“Perhaps we aren’t number one in this particular matter, but we can become a leading voice in ESG standards to dismiss accusations from countries that claim to be a role model in environmental, social, and governance standards,” Enggartiasto said.

Below is the list of companies recognized for their plausible ESG standards in the Investor Daily Appreciation Night:

Appreciated Environmental ESG Report
1. Chandra Asri Pacific 
2. Barito Pacific 
3. Pertamina 

Appreciated Social ESG Report
1. Bank Raya Indonesia 
2. Indosat 
3. Pos Indonesia 

Appreciated Governance ESG Report
1. Telkom Indonesia 
2. Bank Rakyat Indonesia 
3. Bank Mandiri 

Most Appreciated ESG Report
1. Bank Rakyat Indonesia
2. Pertamina
3. Bank Negara Indonesia

ESG Lowest Risk
1. Bank Rakyat Indonesia
2. Bank Negara Indonesia 

Most Integrated ESG Report
1. Chandra Asri Pacific
2. Bank Mandiri 

ESG Recognized Commitment
1. Trimegah Bangun Persada (Harita Nickel)
2. Asuransi Jiwa Generali Indonesia
3. Freeport Indonesia
4. Medela Potentia (Argon Group)
5. Prudential Life Assurance
6. Petrindo Jaya Kreasi Tbk
7. Astra International
8. Bank DKI
9. Pantai Indah Kapuk Dua
10. Paramount Enterprise International (Paramount Land)
11. Bank Syariah Indonesia