Sustainability is no longer viewed merely as a company’s corporate social responsibility. Instead, it has become one of the key drivers of long-term growth and competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic global business environment.
This message was highlighted during Course #1: Inclusive & Sustainable Business Model, held as part of the Global Summer Week program on Monday (July 13, 2026) at the Auditorium of the Learning Center Building, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM). During the session, Intan Ayu Kartika, Marketing Director of PT Frisian Flag Indonesia, shared findings from a McKinsey study indicating that companies that successfully manage revenue, profitability, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance have the potential to achieve revenue growth of more than 10 percent above their competitors.
“A company’s purpose, when combined with sustainable business practices, strengthens brand equity, fosters customer loyalty, creates long-term value, and enhances the ability to attract top talent, especially among younger generations who are increasingly concerned about environmental and social issues,” she said.
She explained that a sustainable business model integrates environmental, social, and economic objectives into a company’s core operations. This concept is known as the Triple Bottom Line, consisting of Profit, Planet, and People.
“This concept emphasizes that business success should not be measured solely by profit, but also by the positive impact a company creates for society and the environment,” she added.
Intan also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in business. According to her, companies should foster workplaces that provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background or personal identity.
“A diverse workplace brings together different perspectives, making discussions richer and leading to better decision-making,” she explained.
As an example, she highlighted gender inclusivity in corporate leadership. She noted that the presence of both women and men in strategic positions creates complementary perspectives that contribute to more effective decision-making.
During the session, Intan also shared that approximately 80 percent of companies reported being able to quantitatively measure a positive return on investment (ROI) from their sustainability initiatives.
“Sustainable business practices generate economic value while creating positive impacts for both society and the environment,” she said.
She further explained that building an inclusive culture requires organization-wide commitment. One way to achieve this is by adopting a systematic approach to Inclusion and Diversity (I&D).
“This can be done by strengthening leadership as role models, increasing the representation of diverse groups in strategic positions, implementing transparent and gender-neutral processes, and supporting competency development through training and mentoring programs,” she said.
Intan encouraged participants to view sustainability as a concept that extends beyond environmental protection. According to her, sustainable businesses must also uphold inclusivity, create shared value, and pursue a purpose that benefits society.
“Ultimately, sustainability is not only about protecting the environment, but also about building businesses that are inclusive, responsible, and beneficial to society. The businesses that will thrive in the future are those driven by purpose, not merely by profit,” she concluded.
Reporter: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
