Encouraging the Decarbonization of MSMEs in Indonesia

press release

Jakarta, March 14, 2024 – Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have become one of the important pillars of the Indonesian economy. Based on data from the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (Kemenkop), the MSME sector contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 60.5 percent and contributed to employment reaching 97 percent of the total workforce in 2021. 

On the other hand, MSMEs produce greenhouse gas emissions that are responsible for the climate crisis. Based on a study by the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), estimated energy-related emissions from MSMEs reached 216 MtCO2 in 2023, equivalent to half of the national industrial sector emissions in 2022. For this reason, the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) encourages MSME players to make efforts to reduce emissions to achieve greener and more sustainable businesses. 

The Executive Director of the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), Fabby Tumiwa, said that MSMEs have a significant role to play in achieving Net Zero Emission (NZE) by 2060 or sooner. According to him, reducing emissions or decarbonizing the entire supply chain in the MSME sector will open opportunities for Indonesian MSMEs to compete at the global level.

“Our study found that 95 percent of emissions from MSMEs come from burning fossil energy. Reflecting on this data, the government needs to start identifying opportunities and challenges in decarbonizing MSMEs. The government also needs to propose strategies and provide assistance in the form of financial and technical assistance to MSMEs so that they are able to plan and encourage investment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” Fabby said in a webinar on Decarbonization Opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia and Learning from Global Experiences.

 

In collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), IESR formulated a study that offers solutions to decarbonize MSMEs, especially in the Small and Medium Industry (SMI). SMEs were chosen because the subsector emits higher emissions than other SME subsectors. In addition, SMEs can employ up to 100 people, potentially providing jobs for local residents. This can be a reference to ensure a just transition, both at the local and national level.

The IESR and LBNL analysis recommends technology upgrades and electrification to decarbonize SMEs. The study takes three examples of SMEs with their decarbonization solutions First, electrification for the textile and clothing sector. Second, the construction sector that needs to increase the use of low-carbon cement, innovative concrete formulations and propose eco-friendly equipment to building owners. Third, the tanning industry sector to encourage the penetration of variable renewable energy (VRE), such as solar panels and domestic wind turbines.

Energy Data Analyst of IESR, Abyan Hilmy Yafi, mentioned, through the initial strategy of decarbonizing SMEs, several economic benefits will be obtained such as the creation of new business opportunities, increasing brand value, and attracting customer trust. Not only that, decarbonization will also improve production processes, profitability, and competitiveness while reducing climate change risks and ensuring a positive impact on the environment.

“MSMEs need to get more assistance because many MSME players do not know about energy, its units and how to make it efficient. With collaboration between the government, private sector, and the community, MSMEs can become agents of change that drive the transition to a clean and sustainable economy for a better future for all,” Abyan said. 

Head of the Green Industry Development Program Team, Ministry of Industry, Achmad Taufik, said that his party is working on green funding/investment for SMEs from banks, private and international sources. In addition, his party is exploring several models and preparing studies to strengthen green industry service providers. 

“For small and medium industries in an effort to transform towards green industry, we will help with training and capacity building, access to green technology, access to markets or creating new markets,” said Achmad. 

Highlighting decarbonization opportunities in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector, Energy and Environmental Policy Researcher, LBNL, Bo Shen stated that the application of energy efficiency is an attraction for the market in choosing SME products. In China, energy efficiency certification for SMEs is the basis for large companies to take SME products, he said. Meanwhile, learning from the United States, a number of universities have created government-funded industrial assessment centers to determine the estimated energy consumption and emissions of SMEs. 

“There are several effective ways to encourage energy savings in SMEs in Indonesia that can be applied. Among them, the availability of a standardized and transparent system to track, assess and communicate the energy performance of SMEs. Second, the existence of a government-supported evaluation scheme in business image improvement. Third, the existence of clear decarbonization targets for the government, multinational companies and SMEs,” said Bo Shen. 

Note to Editors:

MSMEs are all micro, small and medium-sized enterprises/businesses. 

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) means excluding micro enterprises.

Small and Medium Industry (SMI) is a business that has a production process/conversion of raw/half-raw goods to finished goods that has a small to medium business size.

The type of micro, small, medium can be seen from the capital/income/number of employees.

Encouraging the Energy Transition in the Industrial Sector in South Sumatra

Jelajah Energi Sumatera Selatan

Palembang, 26 February 2024 – Energy is a basic need for individuals and communities with various purposes. Even though energy is something crucial in human life, not many people know or are critical of the energy sources (such as electricity) that they use every day.

On a larger scale such as the industrial sector, energy needs will be directly proportional to the productivity and economic contribution of the products produced. Somewhat different from energy use on a household scale, energy use in the industrial sector is relatively well monitored. In terms of awareness of energy sources, industry tends to better understand the energy sources they choose.

In an effort to promote the use of renewable energy, the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) collaborates with the South Sumatra Province Energy and Mineral Resources Office to organize the South Sumatra Energy Exploration (Jelajah Energi Sumatera Selatan) activity for one week starting from Monday, February 26th, 2024 to Friday March 1st, 2024. This activity also embraces journalists as strategic partners in increasing public literacy regarding the energy transition.

The series of events began with an introductory workshop to provide participants with a basic understanding of energy and the energy landscape of South Sumatra, which acts as an “energy barn”. However, the dominant energy used is fossil energy i.e coal. Meanwhile, apart from fossil energy sources, South Sumatra Province also has a technical potential for renewable energy reaching 21,032 MW, yet only around 4.7% or 989 MW has been utilized.

Rizqi M. Prasetyo, IESR Sub-National Project Coordinator, explained that with the renewable energy potential of South Sumatra, projects can be utilized to bring benefits to the community.

“One of the (good practices, ed) that has been carried out in South Sumatra is the CSR initiative to use solar PV to drive land irrigation water pumps,” said Risky.

Secretary of the South Sumatra Province ESDM Service, Ahmad Gufran, said that his party was open to various ideas for greater use of renewable energy.

“We will continue to contribute to the development of the renewable energy sector to obtain clean, environmentally friendly energy. In the future, we hope that the use of clean energy can expand to all levels of society,” said Ahmad Gufan.

After receiving a general introductory workshop, the Energy Exploration journey began by visiting PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja (PUSRI). PT PUSRI is the first fertilizer producer in Indonesia and has been operating since the 1970s. Considering that the company’s operational period is quite long, production assets have also entered a period of revitalization. This moment is also used to switch to a cleaner type of technology for future operational periods.

VP of Environment at PUSRI Palembang, Yusuf Riza, explained that in an effort to be in line with the government’s agenda to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, PT PUSRI is taking a number of steps, including implementing energy efficiency practices, using electric vehicles as operational vehicles in factory environments, and installing on-grid rooftop PV for office operations.

“Currently we have installed a rooftop PV of 110 kWp as an energy source in office buildings, and this year (2024, ed) we plan to increase our (PV) capacity by 100 kWp. So in total we will have around 210 kWp PV capacity,” said Yusuf.

Driving the Energy Transition from the Sub-National Level

Semarang, 19 December 2023 – The annual Climate Summit (Summit) held in Dubai in November – December 2023 resulted in a number of global agreements, one of which was an agreement by 118 countries to transition and abandon fossil fuels. This agreement was born partly due to pressure from countries experiencing the impacts of climate change. 2023 was recorded as the hottest year in history.

In his opening speech for the Central Java Renewable Energy Acceleration Forum, Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director of the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) stated that the simplest thing to ensure the energy transition occurs is to add renewable energy capacity to the energy mix. To massively add renewable energy capacity requires significant investment costs and comprehensive enabling conditions.

“The complex and expensive energy transition can only occur if there are enabling conditions, including rules and regulations, support for public and private partnerships, community initiatives, and investment. Currently, to achieve the RUED target, regional funding capacity is still insufficient, so it is necessary to encourage investment,” said Fabby.

Head of the Central Java Province Energy and Mineral Resources Service, Boedyo Dharmawan, said that his party had contributed to achieving the target of 23% of the national renewable energy mix by 2025.

“In 2023, Central Java Province achieved a regional renewable energy mix of 21.2%. We will continue to encourage this capacity addition in the coming years. Apart from that, we also encourage energy conservation practices through energy and water saving movements, in government agencies and also in business entities, including energy audits,” he said.

Tavip Rubiyanto, Middle Expert Policy Analyst on Energy Substances and Mineral Resources, Directorate of SUPD I, Directorate General of Regional Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted the role of the entire OPD sector in matters of managing renewable energy in the regions.

“From the start, the ESDM Service had to coordinate with related agencies such as Environment, Transportation and Planning Services. So that RUED can be integrated into the RPJMD. “It does take effort to convince and provide understanding for Bappeda to support this EBT target, but that is what must be done,” said Tavip.

In terms of investment trends, Indonesia is becoming a global investment destination even though currently there are still several investment challenges. This was conveyed by Purwo Wiyatmanto, Head of Sub-Directorate for Promotion Strategy Analyst/ Middle Expert Investment Management, Ministry of Investment/BKPM.

“Investment in the new renewable energy sector is also increasing in demand. The increasing need for energy is also accompanied by an increasing share of renewable energy. Indonesia’s new renewable energy share of around 14.5% (below the ASEAN average) is a challenge in itself, but this is also an opportunity for growth,” he said.

From an industrial perspective, there is actually a need for clean electricity produced by sustainable energy sources. This need becomes stronger if an industry enters the global brand supply chain. Rudi Cahyono, Energy Carbon Manager, PT Selalu Cinta Indonesia (SCI) said this pressure was because his party was included in the supply chain of the footwear industry which is marketed globally.

“We are committed to using 100% renewable energy by 2030 as a consequence of our entry into the global supply chain. By 2024, the target is that we can reduce our carbon footprint by 99%,” said Rudi.

Sakina Rosellasari, Head of the Central Java Province One Stop Investment and Integrated Services Service (PMPTSP), added that her agency continues to actively promote projects that are ready to be developed by investors.

“Central Java is open to green investment, not only labor intensive, but also green economic management,” he said.

Apart from investment on an industrial scale, the use of renewable energy at the community level also needs to continue to be encouraged. Yanto, Head of Banyuroto Village (one of the Energy Independent Villages), Magelang Regency, stated that there is a lot of renewable energy potential on a small scale that can be utilized on a communal scale with the support of the local government.

“Future plans, we, the village government, are trying to increase the amount of biogas in the community, around 100 biogas digesters at least in the next 5 years and budget it in the (village fund) APBDes and are ready to collaborate with related agencies, campuses and other parties,” he said.

With 34 biogas digesters spread throughout almost the entire Banyuroto Village area, this digester has helped the welfare of the community since 2007, starting from cooking needs (reducing household cost), lighting without converters and zero waste from the results of the biogas process (solid and liquid fertilizer, bioslurry).

In 2023, the national government will make a number of important notes in the development of renewable energy. The revision of the National Energy Policy (KEN) document and the inauguration of the Cirata Floating PLTS are among the major points in the energy transition process this year.

Adimas Pradityo, Business and Commerce Development Manager, PLN Nusantara Power said that in 2024 there will be PLTS development in Central Java with a capacity of 140 MW in several locations including Batang and Pemalang. Adimas also shared PLN Nusantara Power’s experience in developing the Cirata floating PLTS.

“(One of) the challenges is explaining the PLTS concept to regulators. We really have a bottom up approach in licensing the development of the Cirata Floating PLTS,” he said.

Solar Energy Can Be a Strategy to Achieve Renewable Energy Targets in Jambi

press release

Jambi, November 28, 2023 – Local governments play a significant role in promoting the use of renewable energy in their respective regions. This is crucial in achieving the national target for renewable energy mix. Jambi is one region that aims to achieve a renewable energy mix target of 24 percent by 2025 and 40 percent by 2050. The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), a leading think tank in Indonesia, underlines the importance of accelerating solar energy utilization in Jambi Province as a concrete step in achieving the regional renewable energy mix target and reducing greenhouse gas emissions contributing to the climate crisis.

Based on IESR’s study titled Beyond 443 GW: Indonesia’s Infinite Renewable Energy Potentials, Jambi has 281.5 GWp of solar energy potential. Meanwhile, based on the Regional Energy General Plan, Jambi has a solar potential of 8,847 MW. However, the installed capacity of solar power plants is only around 0.68 MW as of 2022.

 

Marlistya Citraningrum, Program Manager of Sustainable Energy Access, IESR, mentioned that solar energy is democratic energy available throughout Indonesia. In addition, solar energy technology is currently relatively easy to access, with increasingly affordable investment costs.

“We believe solar energy is a strategic solution to mitigate the climate crisis. Rooftop solar power plants offer several benefits, such as increasing the renewable energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the cooperation of various parties. They provide a renewable source of electrical energy without the need to build large-scale power plants. This opens up business opportunities in the green jobs sector and encourages increased competitiveness of the solar industry in energy. We hope that Indonesia will not only become a market for the solar energy industry but also spark a green and circular economy,” Marlistya said at the Jambi Government Forum, Implementation of Solar Energy in Jambi Province held on Tuesday (28/11).

Marlistya invited all stakeholders to proactively participate in accelerating solar energy utilization in Jambi Province. She emphasized five things that can be done to spur the adoption of solar power at the regional level.  Firstly, clear rules, regulations, and policies should be implemented effectively. Secondly, there should be encouragement for rules, policies, and appeals. Thirdly, good practices in solar energy utilization should be shared and multiplied. Fourthly, access to information on renewable energy, particularly solar energy, should be improved. Lastly, incentives and facilitation, along with increased financing opportunities, should be provided to support the adoption of solar energy.

Nanang Kristanto, Sub-Coordinator of RUEN Implementation Monitoring, National Energy Council, explained that Indonesia is currently updating Government Regulation No. 79/2014, which pertains to the National Energy Policy (KEN). The purpose of this update is to ensure that energy policies are in line with climate change policies. It is predicted that by 2030, the energy sector will be the second largest contributor to emissions, following the forestry sector.

“The KEN Draft Government Regulation (RPP) has undergone updates, which include the consideration of achieving Net Zero Emission (NZE) by 2060. The primary energy mix in 2060 is planned to comprise 70-72% renewable energy and 28-30% non-renewable energy. The supporting policies for this goal are explained in detail in each article, which has increased the total number of articles in the KEN RPP,” said Nanang. 

Nanang highlighted five important roles of regions in the energy transition towards NZE in the KEN changes. First, all activities related to the transition must be centered in provincial and district/city areas. Secondly, derivative activities for energy transition must be implemented according to the authority of the regions. Thirdly, the parts should receive funding from the central government or the private sector to aid in the transition. Fourthly, the areas must have available human resources to support the transition’s new technologies. Finally, it is important to socialize with the community as energy users to implement the transition effectively.

Anjas Bandarso, Energy Policy Analyst from the Directorate General of Regional Development of the Ministry of Home Affairs, explained the strengthening of provincial authority in utilizing renewable energy in the regions through Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 11 of 2023 concerning Additional Concurrent Government Affairs in the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Sector in the New Renewable Energy Sub-Sector. The regulation also optimizes coordination between the central government and regional governments.

“We provide new authority for provincial governments to manage biomass or biogas, both as energy and as a substitute fuel for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Then, the management of various renewable energies as well as the implementation, guidance, and supervision of energy conservation,” said Anjas. 

Anjas hopes that there will be mutual support between the central and regional governments, strong political commitment, and real concern at the regional level to encourage the achievement of renewable energy targets.

Koran Jakarta | Indonesia Must Continue to Intensify the Development of Solar PV

The operation of  Cirata floating photovoltaic (PV) power plant, West Java, is a milestone in the acceleration of solar PV development to decarbonize electricity in Indonesia. Going forward, Indonesia must optimize the potential of solar PV to support the achievement of the electricity sector’s peak emission target in 2030, at the lowest cost.

Read more on Koran Jakarta.