Webinar The State of Economic Transformation in Coal-Producing Regions: Lessons from East Asia and Southeast Asia Region
Background
Indonesia’s coal-producing regions—such as East Kalimantan and outh Sumatra—have long relied on fossil fuel extraction as a major source of income and employment. However, as global and national commitments to carbon neutrality accelerate, these regions face the dual challenge of sustaining economic growth while phasing-down coal dependence. A just and inclusive economic transformation is therefore essential to ensure that local communities, workers, and regional economies can adapt to a cleaner and more sustainable future (IESR, 2023). In this context, learning from countries that have successfully transitioned from coal dependence to low-carbon development offers valuable insights for Indonesia’s regional transformation.
Experiences from other Asian economies illustrate diverse pathways to achieve such transformation. Shaanxi in China, for example, has implemented industrial modernization, renewable energy development, and carbon management under China’s national “dual carbon” strategy (RMI and EFC China, 2022). Similarly, Gangwon in South Korea has revitalized its post-coal areas through renewable energy projects, eco-tourism, and community-led regeneration initiatives, demonstrating a socially inclusive approach to regional transition (Korea Times, 2020; Smart City Korea, 2018). Beyond East Asia, Southeast Asia also presents emerging examples of just transition efforts. Quảng Ninh Province, once heavily reliant on coal mining, is actively advancing a just transition by redirecting investment into clean-industry, service and tourism sectors, introducing worker-retraining and land-restoration programs, and embedding green growth in its provincial development plans (NhanDan, 2023). These regional experiences underline that a successful transition away from coal must be context-specific, socially equitable, and supported by strong governance and long-term planning.
Against this backdrop, the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) will convene a webinar titled “The State of Economic Transformation in Coal-Producing Regions: Lessons from East Asia and Southeast Asia Region”. The event aims to promote knowledge exchange between experts, policymakers, and civil society actors from across the region. By learning from regional and international best practices, Indonesia’s coal-producing regions can better design just transition strategies that balance economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
Objectives
- To discuss governance mechanisms that have facilitated economic transformation in coal-producing regions as well as policy instruments and financing models to support local governments in designing just and inclusive transition pathways in East and Southeast Asia.
- To draw comparative lessons from China (Shaanxi), South Korea (Gangwon), Vietnam (Quảng Ninh) and beyond to inform Indonesia’s regional transition strategies.
- · To facilitate dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and civil society organizations to strengthen regional collaboration on just transition and low-carbon economic development.
Speakers
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Arief Rosadi - Climate and Energy Diplomacy Program Manager IESR
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Ilham Surya- Environmental Policy Analyst - IESR
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Yeeun Uhm - Diplomacy Associate - Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC)*
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Togu Pardede - Director for Energy Resources Mineral and Mining - Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas)
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Benita Sashia Jayanti - Climate Diplomacy Program Officer IESR
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Tom Wang - Executive Director - People of Asia for Climate Solutions (PACS)
