Surakarta, September 24, 2025 – Central Java is demonstrating its strong commitment to achieving the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) target by 2060, or sooner, through the transformation of its industrial sector towards greener practices. This commitment has been formalized through the issuance of the Governor of Central Java’s Circular Letter No. 500.9/0006073 of 2025 on Accelerating Energy Transition by Utilizing Renewable Energy in the Industrial Sector for Green Industry, as well as the establishment of the Central Java Green Industry Forum. These initiatives underline the importance of cross-stakeholder collaboration, since such a transformation cannot be carried out in isolation.
According to July Emmylia, Head of the Central Java Provincial Office of Industry and Trade, the provincial government is working together with the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) and universities to prepare local mentors at the district and city level who will support industries in transitioning toward greener practices. She explained that industries in Central Java are being encouraged to shift to green industry in order to meet global market demands and maintain export competitiveness. Together with IESR, University of Sebelas Maret (UNS), and University of Diponegoro (UNDIP), the government is preparing mentors and organizing training programs to strengthen capacity, particularly for small and medium enterprises (IKM). The aim is to enable these enterprises to obtain Green Industry Certification (SIH) or to begin concrete steps toward transformation.
She also noted that in the future the Provincial Government plans to introduce a provincial-level Green Industry Award. This program is intended to motivate industrial players, especially IKM, to more actively adopt sustainability principles and low-carbon technologies. It is expected that such initiatives will reinforce Central Java’s commitment to building a competitive, sustainable, and environmentally friendly green industry.
Rahmat Jaya Eka Syahputra, Industrial Net-Zero Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator at IESR, added that his team has developed a classification system to map SME readiness for more effective mentoring. IKM is grouped into four clusters. Cluster 0 consists of IKM that have not yet met basic business administration standards. Cluster 1 refers to IKM that falls short on managerial aspects of green industry. Cluster 2 includes IKM that are lacking in technical aspects of green industry. Cluster 3 comprises IKM that are close to meeting the standards but still require refinement. With this system, mentoring strategies can be better targeted, making it easier to identify each IKM’s current position and the areas that require improvement according to the established indicators.
He emphasized that the training program for mentors is designed to support IKM involvement in transitioning to green industry through the adoption of low-carbon technologies and the implementation of sustainable production principles.
Meanwhile, Lilin Indriyani, Senior Industry Advisor at the Center for Handicrafts and Batik Yogyakarta, Ministry of Industry, stressed that green industry transformation must address both managerial and technical aspects. In the case of IKM batik, for instance, structured green industry policies are needed, alongside strategies for raw material efficiency, low-carbon energy use, water management, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, periodic monitoring, and sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. From a technical perspective, the indicators cover efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, and water, as well as process technology, product quality, human resources, implementation of Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (K3L) systems in production, and environmental management.
She explained that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a key indicator of green industry transformation. Industries are encouraged to establish emission baselines, measurable reduction targets, and clear strategies. Implementation ranges from meeting emission quality standards and managing wastewater to utilizing waste as substitute materials. These measures not only ensure compliance with regulations but also increase efficiency and competitiveness.
From the perspective of energy use, Rizqi Mahfudz Prasetyo, Subnational Coordinator of Sustainable Energy Access at IESR, emphasized that solar power (PLTS) is a strategic solution for industrial decarbonization. With Indonesia’s solar potential estimated at between 3,000 and 20,000 GWp, solar power can significantly reduce reliance on emission-intensive fossil fuels. Its modular and flexible characteristics, combined with financing schemes such as performance-based renting, installment or credit, and direct purchase, make solar increasingly accessible. Costs, which have fallen by up to 90 percent over the past decade, further accelerate its adoption in the industrial sector.
He noted that beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, solar power also supports long-term energy cost efficiency, strengthens global competitiveness, and reinforces the industry’s commitment to sustainable green transformation. He added that IESR has also developed the Solarhub platform, which provides tools such as a solar calculator to estimate upfront installation costs, recommend solar cell capacity, and offer additional supporting information.
