Young people key to advancing a Just Energy Transition in Indonesia

© PKIP/UNAIR

© PKIP/UNAIR

SURABAYA, East Java, Indonesia (Joint Press Release) – Energy inequality remains a major challenge across many parts of Indonesia. To help address this issue, the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with Airlangga University (UNAIR) through its Institute for Sustainable Community Service (LPMB) and SDGs Center, organized a workshop titled "The Future of Indonesia's Energy Transition: Ensuring No Worker Is Left Behind" on Tuesday, 14 July, at the UNAIR Rectorate.

In his opening remarks, the Head of UNAIR's LPMB, Prof. H. Hery Purnobasuki, M.Si., Ph.D., highlighted the persistent energy inequality across Indonesia. He noted the stark contrast between electricity access in the capital city and many areas outside Java, including parts of Sumatra that continue to experience frequent power outages.

We can harness the potential of cattle manure or agricultural waste to produce energy, enabling communities to become more self-reliant. We should not simply introduce projects to communities.

Prof. H. Hery Purnobasuki, M.Si., Ph.D., Head of UNAIR's Institute for Sustainable Community Service (LPMB)

"Indonesia is a country rich in natural resources, yet energy challenges continue to affect our communities. Electricity may not be an issue in Jakarta, but in many parts of Sumatra, power disruptions are still common. This is an important issue that requires contributions from many stakeholders," said Prof. Hery.

He also emphasized that solutions to energy challenges can begin with simple, community-based initiatives rather than relying solely on large-scale projects.

"We can harness the potential of cattle manure or agricultural waste to produce energy, enabling communities to become more self-reliant. We should not simply introduce projects to communities; instead, we need to collaborate with them so that communities become healthier, local economies thrive and we can move forward together," he added.

The workshop forms part of the outreach activities under the ILO's Regional Innovation Initiative for a Just Energy Transition (IKI-JET) project. The initiative focuses on providing practical guidance to regions that depend on fossil fuel industries, helping ensure that workers are protected as industries transition towards cleaner sources of energy.

The transition to a low-carbon economy must go hand in hand with the creation of decent work and protection for affected workers and communities. Young people have an important role to play in driving this change through innovation, leadership and collaboration.

Muce Mochtar, ILO’s IKI-JET Project Coordinator for Indonesia

Representatives from UNAIR's SDGs Center emphasized that universities have a strategic role in generating the knowledge, leadership and innovation needed to support an inclusive green economic transformation.

Echoing this message, Muce Mochtar, ILO’s IKI-JET Project Coordinator for Indonesia, stressed the importance of ensuring fairness for workers affected by the global energy transition.

"The transition to a low-carbon economy must go hand in hand with the creation of decent work and protection for affected workers and communities. Young people have an important role to play in driving this change through innovation, leadership and collaboration. We hope this event inspires them to become part of the solution in building a greener, more inclusive and just future," said Muce.

Through the IKI-JET project and other strategic partnerships, the ILO continues to work closely with the Government of Indonesia, employers' and workers' organizations, academia, civil society and development partners to support a just energy transition in Indonesia. These efforts aim to ensure that the shift towards a green economy not only contributes to achieving the country's climate targets, but also creates decent employment opportunities and ensures that no worker is left behind.

More than 120 students from various faculties at Airlangga University participated in the event alongside representatives from government, small and medium enterprises, workers' organizations, academia and development partners. Through the campaign, participants explored the opportunities, challenges and labour market implications of the energy transition, while strengthening the role of young people in advancing a just and inclusive transition.

The workshop was livestreamed on ILO TV Indonesia.

For further information, please contact:
Muce Mochtar
ILO’s IKI-JET Project Coordinator for Indonesia
Email: [email protected]

Gita Lingga
ILO Senior Information and Communications Management Assistant
Email: [email protected]