Bogor, 30 March 2021 – Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation with Pertahanan University (Unhan). This collaboration aims to showcase each other’s potential in research and community service on renewable energy and energy security.

Pertahanan University is opening a vocational school located in Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara. One of the focuses of this vocational school is to develop renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in these locations to provide reliable energy sources for schools, as well as providing qualified human resources. In his remarks, the Rector of  Unhan, Amarulla Octavian, stated that through this collaboration, his party is open to collaborating in education, research and community service related to renewable energy.

“We can start to conduct seminars and workshops, as well as joint research. Please also involve our students as interns in projects and research in the future, “he said.

On a separate occasion during the IESR’s Pojok Energi interview, Amarullah Octavian stated that the Pertahanan University plans to open 10 vocational schools in frontier areas of Indonesia.

“Atambua is the first and will become a pilot project, if this is successful we will replicate it in other places,” concluded Amarullah.

Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director of IESR emphasized that the trend to use clean energy will bring demand for skilled labourers as installers in the clean energy sector.

“As a think-tank that concerns on renewable energy and environment, we support the Unhan to open vocational schools and develop renewable energy in the frontier regions of Indonesia. One of the implications of developing a microgrid that comes from renewable energy is the need for skilled workers as installers. So, we must see this phenomenon and opportunity so that we can catch it up to develop energy security,” said Fabby in his speech.