Kumparan Green Initiative Conference 2025 officially opened on Wednesday, September 17, at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, focusing on accelerating affordable clean energy independence as a foundation for Indonesia’s industrial transformation.
The annual event, organized by media platform kumparan, brought together government officials, academics, industry players, and community stakeholders in a multi-sector dialogue aimed at addressing climate challenges and boosting the competitiveness of Indonesia’s future industries through energy transition.
In his opening remarks, Kumparan Editor-in-Chief Arifin Asydhad emphasized the media’s role in advancing the national green agenda. “This year’s Green Initiative Conference is a continuation of kumparan’s commitment to strengthen cross-sector collaboration for a sustainable future. Clean energy is a basic necessity for both present and future generations, and every stakeholder must prepare for the transition as fossil fuel reserves continue to decline,” said Asydhad.
Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto delivered the keynote speech, stressing that sustainability must be pursued collectively. He stated that accelerating energy transition is not only crucial for energy security, but also to support power-hungry growth sectors such as digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence. “Energy transition is about strengthening the green economy and ensuring national competitiveness,” said Airlangga.
Another keynote speaker, Deputy for Food Affordability and Security Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Nani Hendiarti, highlighted waste management as a strategic entry point into the circular economy and green energy. She said the government is streamlining regulations and investment mechanisms to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly incinerator-based waste-to-energy technologies.
“There are two key messages: turning waste into renewable energy and using environmentally sound technology,” said Nani. This initiative aims not only to reduce dependence on conventional landfills but also to enable local governments to implement circular economy principles.
The second panel discussion focused on the role of energy in national development and the opportunity to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2050—ten years ahead of Indonesia’s original 2060 target. Speakers included Dr. Ir. Moch. Chaerul from Bandung Institute of Technology, Dr. Ir. Mahawan Karuniasa from the University of Indonesia, and Ir. Andrey Andoko, Ph.D., from Multimedia Nusantara University.
The discussion addressed challenges and opportunities, including Indonesia’s renewable energy potential of more than 3,600 GW, the need to accelerate geothermal development, and waste-to-energy innovations that can replace fossil-fuel-based power plants. Panelists stressed the importance of aligning national plans with regional implementation to ensure that energy investments reduce emissions while delivering tangible benefits to industries, education institutions, and local communities.
Dr. Mahawan Karuniasa warned that the ambitious renewable energy goal must be approached realistically. “From the current 15 percent renewable mix, we would need to grow by an average of 8.5 percent annually—eight times the historical rate. Acceleration must be carefully planned to avoid trade-offs that could hinder economic growth while striving for environmental sustainability,” he said.
The first day of the Kumparan Green Initiative Conference 2025 concluded with an interactive session emphasizing the importance of collaboration among government, businesses, communities, and the public. With this spirit, the conference aims to spark concrete initiatives for a greener future in Indonesia.
The event is supported by PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, ASTRA, Bakti Lingkungan Djarum Foundation, PT PLN (Persero), Blibli, Harita Nickel, MIND ID, Bank Mandiri, Telkom Indonesia, Telkomsel, Pagatan Usaha Makmur, PT Alamtri Resource Indonesia, Pupuk Indonesia, and Makmur Bersama Indonesia.