Go Greener: Central Java’s Efforts to Attract Sustainable Investment

Jateng Investment

Magelang, August, 21-22 2023 – Central Java aims to attract green investment of up to IDR 65 trillion by 2023 (based on data from the Ministry of Investment /Investment Coordinating Board, BPKPM) to encourage sustainable economic growth and to achieve the target of net zero emissions (NZE). For that, green investment must prioritize environmental friendliness and commit to educating the local workforce, transferring technology, and carrying out products downstream. Additionally, sustainable aspects must be considered when preparing green investment projects.

In line with efforts to increase the regional sustainable economy, the Provincial Government of Central Java, through the One-Stop Investment and Services Agency (DPMPTSP), collaborated with Bank Indonesia Representatives for Central Java Province to organize the Central Java Investment Business Forum (CJIBF), 2023. The forum was designed to foster collaboration between the government, Bank Indonesia, and business actors to increase investment growth and promote sustainable economic development in Central Java. The CJIBF allowed investors to invest in the region, resulting in an investment interest of IDR 18.5 trillion.

Ganjar Pranowo, Governor of Central Java, said the realization of green investment does not only focus on investment but also needs to build an investment ecosystem both at the community and regional government levels. If the investment ecosystem is established effectively, the government must support it by facilitating licensing and services, providing incentives such as prioritized services, commitment, compliance, and enhancing human resources or a skilled workforce in the Central Java regions.

“The Provincial Government of Central Java has a significant initiative to improve human resources and encourage green investment. One of their plans is to construct vocational or vocational high schools and establish special departments focusing on renewable energy,” said Ganjar Pranowo.

Ganjar emphasized the importance of aligning the needs of workers in the business and industrial sectors with the curriculum and learning in vocational high schools. This would require a concerted effort by the government to ensure that the local workforce is trained according to the specific requirements of companies, enabling them to remain competitive.

On the other hand, the Expert Staff for Macroeconomics at the Ministry of Investment/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Imam Soejoedi, mentioned that Central Java Province is a highly favorable location for investment. The CJIBF event aims to strengthen Central Java’s investment opportunities and economic competitiveness, leading to sustainable economic growth.

Imam believes investors see investment in Central Java (Central Java) as more effective and efficient. Central Java also has a low incremental capital-output ratio (ICOR); this indicates that the lower the ICOR, the more efficient investment will be. The success of investment in Central Java is also supported by investors’ trust in the local government.

“Numerous investors have invested in Central Java, which houses the largest glass factory in Southeast Asia, the Nestle industry, the battery industry in Batang, and the food industry in Kendal. Trust plays a crucial role in investment. Even if the location is exceptional, if investors lack trust in the central and regional governments, they may relocate to other provinces or regions,” said Imam.

Meanwhile, Hendri Saparini, Founder and Senior Economist at CORE Indonesia, said Central Java should prepare to compete in green and sustainable investment on both national and international levels. The shift towards green investment should be matched with education and fostering an investment ecosystem at the community and local government levels to ensure sustainability and global impact.

“Central Java requires a green roadmap, which the district/city legislature should back. Additionally, it is crucial to strongly commit to incentivizing companies and investors to advance green investments in Central Java. This will help to attract investors and make investing in Central Java more accessible,” explained Hendri Saparini.

Introducing Rooftop PV and Its Related Aspects to Students of SMK Negeri 7 Semarang

Semarang, 6 June 2023 – The Energy and Mineral Resources Office of Central Java Province is holding technical training on the construction and installation of rooftop solar PV in order to increase human capital in the electricity sector, new and renewable energy, energy conservation, especially for PV installations. The rooftop PV training was attended by 30 representatives of the third grade students from the Electrical Engineering major, SMK Negeri 7 Semarang.

The Head of SMK Negeri 7 Semarang, Haris Wahyudi, warmly welcomed this initiative and believed that the training was the right skill for his students.

“This training is a contextual skill to equip our students, whether they are going to do internships or join the labor forces. This competence is very necessary and very appropriate, we are grateful and grateful for being given the opportunity and having this activity at SMK Negeri 7 Semarang,” he said.

Haris hoped that this training could be motivating and useful, so that in the future there would be high opportunities for rooftop PV – related jobs to be filled by one of his students with good skills and provisions.

This rooftop PV training activity is one of the efforts made by the Provincial Government of Central Java through the ESDM Office to increase the knowledge and skills of the younger generation, so that they are able to take part in facing the energy transition.

Boedyo Dharmawan, Plt. Head of the Energy and Mineral Resources Office of Central Java Province in his remarks said that Central Java has abundant potential for new and renewable energy (NRE), many NRE practices have been built and utilized by the people of Central Java. He hopes that the younger generations will be able to understand and be ready to face the changes in the energy transition that will continue to occur in the future.

“Thirty-five districts/cities in Central Java Province have a lot of PV energy potential, and in the future, we will gradually abandon fossil energy because its availability continues to decrease, this is inevitable, we need to be prepared and ready to face it,” he said.

“Hopefully with this PV rooftop training, youths can build and take good care of PV management. Because if we only continue to encourage and massive development of solar energy, but the maintenance and maintenance is lacking, in the future this can become an opportunity and job opportunities for younger siblings in the future,” he continued.

In addition, Dharmawan also hopes that NRE programs can be supported by all parties, including the educational communities in Central Java Province.

“We really hope that the Education and Culture Office will encourage renewable energy development programs, so that State Vocational High School students in Central Java are ready to face energy transition,” he added.

Rizqi M Prasetyo, regional program officer of, Sustainable Energy Access, Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) participated as one of the speakers in the rooftop PV technical training, with the theme “The Green Superheroes: Solar Team is Saving the Planet!”. The presentation of the material began with a quiz on future PV – related job opportunities, which was enthusiastically followed by the participants.

“The material presented is clear, the delivery method is more exciting, so we don’t get bored listening, it combined with quizzes via cell phones, so the material is easy to understand, because the delivery method is so good,” said Aditya Arya Permata, one of the students.

Rizqi also gave descriptions of current and future climate conditions and employment opportunities. It is hoped that the training participants will be literate and have a high awareness that the development of renewable energy, especially solar energy, can open new jobs that are environmentally friendly.

“We hope that the solar PV training at this school can encourage and motivate the younger generation to become a generation that is environmentally conscious and understands the importance of the energy transition, so that in the future they will be able to contribute, innovate, and lead the process of transforming into a low-carbon economy through solar energy,” said Rizqi.

Apart from IESR, training materials were also delivered by the Energy and Mineral Resources Office of Central Java Province and PPSDM EBTKE. This training takes place from 6 – 9 June 2023 with materials covering Rooftop PV Policy and Development in Central Java, PV Regulations and Safety Procedures, PV Systems and Components and ends with the practice of installing rooftop PV.

IESR Participates in Celebrates Earth Day in Cilacap

IESR turut meramaikan perayaan Hari Bumi tahun 2023

Cilacap – In commemoration of Earth Day, which falls every April 22, the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) took part in revitalizing the peak of Earth Day 2023 commemoration activities in Bulupayung Village, Kesugihan District, Cilacap Regency on Friday (12/5/2023). The activity is “Invest in Our Planet Through Sustainable Mining.”

During the event, the IESR team provided education on how to contribute to using environmentally friendly energy, especially at the household scale (PLTS roof), and implement the potential of renewable energy around them. Relevant IESR publications and studies in Central Java were also distributed to the visitors who attended the activity. Visitors are invited to animate the photo booth with the theme #InvestInOurPlanet.

In his opening remarks at the event, the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, reminded the importance of preserving natural resources so that they continue to benefit humans.

“Natural resources are the key to the wheels of a running economy, everything in nature can be used to meet needs and welfare, and as humans, we must protect and preserve it,” explained Ganjar Pranowo.

Meanwhile, Boedyo Dharmawan, Acting (Plt.) The head of the Central Java ESDM Service explained several other activities during the peak of the 2023 Earth Day commemoration activities. Boedyo presented the series of events aimed to protect the earth from extinction, mainly its natural resources have been used.

“At this moment of the Earth Day series, there are several important points of activity that we carry out, the inauguration of the Slamet Selatan Mining Association, the assistance of 4,000 tree seeds, appreciation for small to large scale miners who comply with Good Mining Practice (GMP) principles, technical and environmental. In addition, the awarding of Energy Independent Village (DME) was also carried out as the Energy and Water Saving Movement (HEA). Hopefully, sustainable management of the earth can be done for future generations,” he said.

Sustainable Energy Access Regional Program Staff, IESR, Riina Syivarulli hopes that the participants and visitors to the activity can become increasingly aware of the importance of awareness and take concrete steps to preserve the environment after visiting the IESR booth.

“On this occasion, IESR introduced the Jejakkarbonku.id platform to find carbon emissions from our daily activities. There is also a Solar Hub platform if visitors want to know about rooftop PLTS. Many visitors tried the two platforms; some said they wanted to install a rooftop PLTS. Hopefully, more and more people will be interested in installing rooftop PLTS to reduce emissions and take advantage of renewable energy from home,” Riina said.

The Central Java MEMR Office Involves IESR in the Drafting of the Strategic Plan 2024 – 2026

Semarang, 1 March 2023 – The Energy and Mineral Resources of Central Java Province involved the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) as a participant in the Regional Forum for Drafting Strategic Plans Document for 2024-2026. This activity was held at the ESDM Office of Central Java Province, opened with remarks by the Head of the Central Java Energy and Mineral Resources Office, Sujarwanto Dwiatmoko and attended by representatives of Commission D DPRD Central Java Province, Secretary General of the National Energy Council, representatives of Regional Government Organizations (OPD) district/city level of Central Java Province as well as several related stakeholders.

Sujarwanto Dwiatmoko believes that the involvement of various stakeholders in regional forums is very important in the basis of regional policies. In addition, the issuance of a Presidential Decree regarding Regional Strengthening on New and Renewable Energy (NRE) has become the mainstay of development and enthusiasm for Central Java to build an energy transition with the people. The people collectively are expected to be able to realize an independent supply of energy to achieve energy sovereignty.

The meeting discussed four strategic issues and development priorities for the Central Java region for 2024-2026 related to the EMR sector, namely 1) A resilient economy that is competitive and sustainable, 2) Human Resources who are competitive, characterized and adaptive, 3) Resilient Natural Resources and environment, 4) Dynamic governance.

Sujarwanto added, there are several points that need to be emphasized in strategic issues such as a strong economy, Central Java human resources that are competitive, characterized and adaptive.

“The economy is resilient, meaning that in our resilience we do not only have competitiveness, but also have a sustainable orientation. In addition, Central Java human resources must have character, be able to adapt and have a plan in dealing with disruptive changes; full of uncertainty, vulnerability and complexity, on a national and global scale,” he continued.

He also emphasized strategic issues for aspects of natural resources and the environment which included one aspect of energy security

“On the aspect of energy security, especially renewables in Central Java, its development must be accelerated, there must be agreement from all elements and the state must be involved in it. This requires a shift in perception and high mindset regarding NRE from many parties,” he explained again.

He also explained about the four focuses of regional energy security which include 1) Availability of energy sources, 2) Affordability of energy investment costs, 3) Ability to access energy (accessibility), and 4) Public acceptance of energy (acceptability).

Furthermore, Sujarwanto said that the MEMR Office of Central Java Province emphasized that the three-year development would move towards realizing a competitive economy.

“Energy for economy, energy for productivity”. This means that the energy currently available in society is not only enjoyed for lighting, but must also be utilized to increase their productivity. The more people per capita consume electrical energy, the more productive they will be,” he said.

Energy independence at the community level continues to be encouraged through the Desa Mandiri Energi (DME) – Energy Independent Village program initiated by the ESDM Office of Central Java Province. This program utilizes the potential of local energy sources owned by each district/city in Central Java Province to promote energy independence and sovereignty. Data shows that 2,353 villages or 27.48% of 7,809 villages in Central Java already have energy independence initiatives and are included in the Energy Independent Village category. There are around 36 energy assistants who will be placed in districts/cities to strengthen Central Java’s independent energy village and energy sovereignty.

Through the DME program, Central Java is determined to have energy transition with the people and 60% of the energy will be generated from the people who are in the district/city area. There are two things that will be encouraged in this program, namely increasing public awareness and developing renewables in areas and remote areas, such as the construction of biogas, micro hydro, Biogenic Swallow Gas (BSG) and agricultural pumps that are converted using solar equipped with batteries or Solar Water Pumps.

Imam Jauhari, representative of the Bappeda Cilacap, agreed that energy for the people’s capacity is very important. Agreeing with him, Sri Hartini, representative of Commission D DPRD Central Java Province, believes that the solar water pump program will be able to help with community problems.

“Our hope, of course, is that the synergy between OPD will be well established, for example overcoming the problem of flooding in the community means that the Energy and Mineral Resources Office synergizes with PSDA. Then from the provincial, district/city governments must really coordinate to meet the needs of the community” – said Sri Hartini.

Apart from that, Wahyudin Noor Aly, representative of Commission D DPRD Central Java Province also asked

Even though the potential that exists in Central Java must be encouraged and increased to pursue and achieve the target of Central Java’s energy mix. According to him, the rapid development of technology and the high potential of natural resources in Central Java, are still faced with a lack of energy conservation practices.

“We (the region) must allocate a special budget for independent energy, so that this energy can be enjoyed by all residents of Central Java. One village can make their own energy, use it themselves, pay for it themselves, this will be cheaper,” added Wahyudin Noor Aly

According to Wahyudin Noor Aly, the MEMR needs to make a breakthrough and take the lead in opening up opportunities to attract many investors. Problems that exist in the regions and districts/cities need to be based on the Strategic Plan and Long-Term Plan. Thus, the involvement of all stakeholders and district/city offices plays an important role in determining the design of the Strategic and Long-term Plan of the Central Java Province ESDM Office.

On the other hand, IESR will fully support the energy transition program in Central Java Province. In the DME program, IESR will be involved in providing knowledge packages to energy assistants in 35 districts/cities through capacity building activities. Through this capacity building activity, in addition to increasing knowledge, they can also build awareness, mindset and perception of the community to explore opportunities and take advantage of the potential of renewable energy sitting in the area.