Semarang, May 3, 2025 – Central Java, as a province rich in natural resources, culture, and human potential, faces major challenges in dealing with the climate crisis. Phenomena such as rising sea levels that erode the northern coast and extreme weather patterns that disrupt farmers’ harvests increasingly show the real impact of climate change. These challenges require more serious and coordinated efforts in dealing with the threat of the climate crisis, one of which is through the energy transition.
Head of the Energy and Mineral Resources Office of Central Java Province, Boedyo Dharmawan emphasized that the energy transition does not only involve infrastructure development, but also changes in people’s behavior. Youth, as agents of change, are expected to play an important role in spreading awareness about the importance of clean and sustainable energy.
“To that end, the Central Java Youth Sustainability Forum 2025 aims to encourage the active involvement of youth as agents of change in the ongoing energy transition process in Central Java. As a province with great potential in the energy sector, Central Java continues to strive to accelerate the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. One important step is to strengthen the energy independent village program which is a commitment of the local government,” said Boedyo at the opening of the Central Java Youth Sustainability Forum 2025 entitled Jejak Muda, Bumi Lestari: Ngopeni Ian Nglakoni Central Java Energy Transition with Pemuda Berdaya and Desa Mandiri Energi on Saturday (3/5). This event was held by the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) in collaboration with the Central Java Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Office.
Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director of IESR said that in dealing with climate change, there is a big role that can be played by various parties, including the government, private sector, and civil society. In addition, youth have a very strategic position in addressing this problem. “The government and society must empower young people to innovate, provide access to education related to green skills, support funding for sustainable business ideas, and most importantly, listen to their voices and aspirations in policy making,” said Fabby.
Fabby invites all young people in Central Java to take an active role in climate action in several ways. First, young people must continue to learn and explore climate change issues, understand their impacts on the surrounding environment, and find solutions that can be implemented. The knowledge gained can be shared with friends, family, and communities so that they also understand more about the urgency of climate action. Second, always dream and create innovative solutions that are beneficial to the environment. Every idea, no matter how small, is very important in driving change.
Third, young people can join or form communities that care about the environment. With togetherness, the power to face the challenges of climate change will be greater. Fourth, use existing platforms, such as social media, discussion forums, or student activities, to voice the importance of climate action. Encourage pro-environmental policies at the local and provincial levels.
“Youth voices have the power to influence decisions that will impact the future,” he said.
Sujawanto Dwiatmoko, Assistant for Economy and Development, Regional Secretary of Central Java Province said that rapidly developing technology makes it possible to convert energy from various sources such as sunlight and water into electrical energy that can be used by the community. However, technology alone is not enough. Investment and active participation from the community are needed, especially those who have the financial ability to support the development of this technology. Investment in the renewable energy sector is essential to ensure that this technological advancement can be applied widely and sustainably.
“Not only that, awareness of sustainability is key to maintaining human survival in the future. In every step we take, it is important to replace the old with a more efficient and environmentally friendly one. This also applies in the industrial world, where the production process must consider the environmental impacts produced. For this reason, it is important for all parties to learn from experience and continue to innovate. With the support of technology, investment, and the right policies, we can ensure that the changes that occur will bring long-term benefits to the country and society,” he explained.