Young Indonesians build skills for a Just Energy Transition

© Ariel Prananda/ILO

© Ariel Prananda/ILO

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan, Indonesia (ILO News) – Eager to gain new skills and keep pace with emerging employment opportunities linked to the just energy transition, 25-year-old Ahmad Fadhillah enrolled in the first Solar Power Plant (PLTS) Technician training programme at BPVP Samarinda. East Kalimantan, Indonesia. He was one of 23 participants in the inaugural 28-day training programme, which ran from early August to mid-September.

Launched in July, the programme aims to strengthen the quality and relevance of vocational training in renewable energy while developing a skilled and competent workforce to support Indonesia’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy.

BPVP Samarinda receives support through Phase II of the Renewable Energy Skills Development (RESD) Project, implemented as part of the cooperation between the Governments of Indonesia and Switzerland and funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

I recently learned about the new solar power programme in Bali. I hope this can be my first step into the industry and that, in the future, I may also have opportunities to work overseas.

Ahmad’s interest in environmental issues began in high school, where he studied science. He later enrolled in Environmental Engineering and completed four semesters before taking a different path. His interest in environmental issues and renewable energy, however, remained.

“Now I am pursuing vocational training and I am proud to be part of the first batch of the PLTS Technician training programme at BPVP Samarinda,” Ahmad said. “I am keen to find decent work in this growing sector.”

After completing the training and obtaining his certification, Ahmad hopes to begin his career in Bali, where recent investments in solar power have caught his attention.

“I recently learned about the new solar power programme in Bali. I hope this can be my first step into the industry and that, in the future, I may also have opportunities to work overseas,” he said.

In August, the Government of Indonesia announced a 100 GW solar power programme and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) initiative. The announcement coincided with the start of construction of PLN’s 305 MWp solar power plant and 1 GWh BESS project in Gilimanuk, Bali. The broader programme is expected to support initiatives ranging from replacing diesel-based power generation and expanding rural electrification to strengthening electricity networks and supplying energy to industrial areas.

© Ariel Prananda/ILO

© Ariel Prananda/ILO

For 23-year-old Rosmala Dewi Pramitha, the path towards renewable energy was partly inspired by her father, a professional electrical technician. Before joining the training, Rosmala worked as a freelance teacher in Bontang before moving to Samarinda, the provincial capital. She became interested in the PLTS Technician programme, particularly after seeing BPVP Samarinda’s outreach encouraging women to participate in the training.

With a science background from high school, Rosmala was able to follow the theoretical components of the programme well. She acknowledged, however, that the practical sessions, particularly those involving electrical installation circuits, required additional effort and practice.

“As the only woman in the class, I was shy at first,” she said. “But all my classmates have been very supportive and help me whenever I need it.”

Like Ahmad, Rosmala sees the training as a pathway to a career in the renewable energy sector. After completing the programme and obtaining her certification, she hopes to undertake an apprenticeship with a solar energy company and eventually secure employment in the sector.

I am ready to work in this sector. I have the support of my parents, and I believe women have the same capabilities and potential to work in solar energy, including installing and managing electrical systems.

For Ahmad and Rosmala, the training represents more than an opportunity to acquire technical skills. It provides a pathway into a growing renewable energy sector and the possibility of contributing directly to Indonesia’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Muce Mochtar, ILO Coordinator for the Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI-JET) project, highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with vocational training institutions such as BPVP Samarinda to equip workers with the skills needed for Indonesia’s changing energy sector.

“As Indonesia accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, we need to ensure that workers have the skills to benefit from emerging employment opportunities. Through the IKI-JET project, the ILO works with partners such as BPVP Samarinda to strengthen relevant skills development and help ensure that the transition is inclusive, particularly for young people and women,” said Muce.

IKI-JET is one of the ILO's efforts to support Indonesia by accelerating just energy transitions away from coal to renewable energy and other sustainable economic activities by supporting to develop plans for a just transition away from coal to renewable energy and other sustainable economic activities with a focus in the regional level.