Building Collaborative Capacity
The path forward requires stronger collaboration between government, industry, and academia. Despite growing interest, several knowledge gaps persist:
- Technology–policy mismatch: Emerging solutions like hydrogen, carbon capture, and smart grids lack regulatory pilots.
- Financing frameworks: Limited risk-sharing mechanisms deter private investment despite international funding pledges.
- Governance disconnects: Decentralisation complicates subnational implementation and just transition planning.
- Data deficits: Fragmented energy and emissions data hinder evidence-based policymaking and investor due diligence.
Bridging these gaps demands new platforms for co-design and innovation. Universities can play a catalytic role by linking technical research with policy design and industry needs.
The Case for an RMIT–BINUS 2025 Roundtable
RMIT University and BINUS University are uniquely positioned to convene Indonesia’s energy transition dialogue. Together, they bring complementary strengths: RMIT’s global expertise in decarbonisation, renewable systems, and workforce transformation; and BINUS’s deep local networks, policy insight, and research capacity in sustainability and innovation.
A jointly convened Indonesia Just Energy Transition Industry Roundtable was organised in Jakarta in 2025 to help create a forum for structured collaboration. The Industry Roundtable 2025 launched a series of engagements designed to shape national strategy, accelerate innovation, and mobilise sustainable investment. It concluded with the following observations.
First, Indonesia’s JET agenda faces fragmented governance, with responsibilities spread across ministries and SOEs, prompting calls for a central JET Collaboration Council to align strategy, data, and financing.
Second, universities remain underutilised despite their potential to support policy co-design, applied research, metrics development, and workforce training.
Third, a three-tier collaboration model needs to be developed, spanning scalable engagements, strategic investments, and selective pilot opportunities.
Fourth, there is an urgent need for a national Labour and Community Transition Framework to manage social and employment impacts.
Finally, stakeholders stressed the importance of integrating finance and data systems, supported by a transparent national GHG disclosure platform and strong quality assurance.
Looking Ahead
Indonesia’s energy transition is a story of both ambition and pragmatism. The targets are clear, but delivery will depend on aligning institutions, financing, and infrastructure. As the world’s fourth-largest population and a pivotal player in the global supply chain for clean energy materials, Indonesia’s transition matters far beyond its borders.
By convening expertise, evidence, and partnerships, RMIT and BINUS can help translate Indonesia’s bold commitments into credible, actionable pathways—advancing a just, secure, and sustainable energy future for the region.
Authors: Prem Chhetri, Yanthi R.I. Hutagaol, Marko S. Hermawan, and Yuli Suseno
