UN Report: Indonesia's HDI Rise Amidst Global Development Disparities

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Human Development Index (HDI) notably rose to 0.713, indicating steady progress towards pre-pandemic levels. However, challenges persist, particularly in terms of inequality, as highlighted by Indonesia's corrected HDI at 0.588, a UN report stated.

A report released today by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) sheds light on the concerning trend of uneven global human development progress. The 2023/24 Human Development Report (HDR), titled “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarized world", underscores the divide between developed and developing nations, with developed countries experiencing record-high levels of human development while half of developing nations are regressing.

The report identifies significant economic concentration exacerbating global inequality, with nearly 40 percent of global goods trade dominated by three countries or less. Additionally, the market capitalization of the world's largest technology companies now surpasses the GDP of over 90 percent of countries.

Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Program, emphasized the reversal of the two-decade trend of declining inequality between developed and developing nations. 

“The widening human development gap revealed by the report shows that the two-decade trend of steadily reducing inequalities between wealthy and poor nations is now in reverse. Despite our deeply interconnected global societies, we are falling short. We must leverage our interdependence as well as our capacities to address our shared and existential challenges and ensure people’s aspirations are met,” he said. 

“This gridlock carries a significant human toll. The failure of collective action to advance action on climate change, digitalization or poverty and inequality not only hinders human development but also worsens polarization and further erodes trust in people and institutions worldwide,” said Steiner. 

The report points to a 'democracy paradox,' where although the majority supports democracy, many express support for leaders who may undermine democratic principles. Political polarization further complicates global cooperation, hindering efforts to address pressing issues such as climate change and digital regulation.

In response, the report calls for a reconfiguration of global interdependencies and the promotion of 'global public goods.' These include initiatives for climate stability, equitable utilization of digital technologies, innovative financial mechanisms, and governance approaches that prioritize inclusivity and address misinformation.

Multilateralism is highlighted as crucial, as bilateral approaches alone cannot meet the imperative of providing 'global public goods.' The report emphasizes the interconnected nature of our challenges and the necessity of collaborative efforts to achieve sustainable human development on a global scale.

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