Jakarta, 15 June 2024 – Energy transition is a process of changing the energy system that requires more than one phase and must involve various actors. The energy transition will also have a number of socio-economic impacts for residents in areas or provinces whose economies are supported by the mining sector or fossil industry.
Currently, apart from ensuring that the energy system changes to a low-emission energy system, parties such as civil society organizations are also pressing for a just transition process. One aspect of a just transition is ensuring that various impacts and changes from the energy system transition process are managed well so that they do not have a negative impact on the community.
Deon Arinaldo, Energy Transformation Program Manager of the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) in his presentation at the National Seminar forum “The Role of Universities in Overseeing a Just Energy Transition Process in Indonesia” organized by Jayabaya University, explained that Indonesia is a country whose energy needs will continue to grow, it is important to immediately transition to renewable energy to also reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially from the electricity sector.
“Researchers have found that there is a large technical potential for renewable energy such as solar and wind in Indonesia. So, the question now is no longer whether or not renewable energy can meet our needs, but how this technical potential can rapidly be deployed into power generation,” said Deon.
Deon also said that it was important for Indonesia to start building a renewable energy component industry such as solar panels and other components domestically to gain maximum benefits from the energy transition process.
“It is good if we choose certain sectors where we (abundantly) have the resources and in the future, these will become commodities that are needed out there. This strategy was chosen by China when 20 years ago they started developing electric vehicle batteries, and now they are starting to reap the benefits,” added Deon.