Jakarta, 4 July—In our efforts to foster global best practices in sustainability, we had the honor of hosting Prof. Prem Chhetri, an expert in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from RMIT University, at the Stakeholder Engagement Forum initiated by the BINUS Center of Excellence in Sustainability (Bic-Sus).  

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

During the forum, Prof. Chhetri shared valuable strategies on how RMIT has successfully integrated sustainability principles into academic life and institutional strategy through teaching and learning, research, operational practices, and building strategic collaboration. 

One notable initiative is the RMIT Sustainable Procurement Disclosure Index (SPDI), a project co-developed by Prof. Chettri. This framework is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability in procurement practices in broader business ecosystems. RMIT’s unwavering commitment to embedding sustainability into its core functions is reflected in its achievement of the #56 ranking in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. 

“Institutional transformation and systemic change are essential to embed sustainability at both strategic and operational levels effectively. This requires a dual approach, combining top-down governance that provides vision and policy direction with bottom-up empowerment that encourages engagement, innovation, and ownership at every level of the institution. At RMIT, this integrated approach has enabled the successful implementation of sustainability practices, strengthened accountability, and fostered cross-institutional innovation,” explained Prof. Chettri. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

One of the most substantial commitments RMIT has made to embedding sustainability is prioritizing it as a core research focus. The university actively funds projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes collaboration with global institutions. Key areas include nature-based water solutions, bushfire management, and increasing transparency in sustainable business practices, particularly through ethical procurement. 

In 2023, RMIT launched SPDI to assess the sustainable procurement practices of Australia’s top 200 listed companies. The project’s success has catalyzed further development across Asia, with BINUS University among the academic partners contributing to its regional expansion. 

(Photo Credit: Mufti Warits)

To bring the SPDI initiative to Indonesia, Prof. Chhetri began a collaborative journey with two prominent academics from BINUS University: Prof. Yanthi R. L. Hutagaol, as the Head of Bic-Sus with her expertise in finance, and Dr. Marko S. Hermawan, as the Bic-Sus member and the Head of International Business Management Program with his expertise in accounting. This collaboration will focus on adapting and developing SPDI to reflect the Indonesian business practices and regulatory environment. 

With this project, we aim to create a space for inclusive dialogue that engages not only academia but also students and business leaders to develop a more transparent and sustainable business ecosystem. In doing so, it helps ensure that the public has access to reliable information about corporate sustainability practices. 

(Words by Mita Adhisti/Editor: Hamzah Ramadhan)