Participants in the forum were of the view that these would become the backbone of carbon-free energy in the future. Apart from that, in moving toward future sustainable energy, digitalization will play a pivotal role in the energy industry transition.

The forum themed “The Energy Transition in Growth Markets” was held by B20 Indonesia in hybrid style in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Participants in the forum also emphasized the importance of commitment and collaboration involving all parties, especially the public and private sectors in the efforts to achieve a sustainable future. Regarding the public and private sector collaboration, they stressed that this should not only provide added value to business and consumer sustainability but should also prompt diversity, inclusivity and have a positive impact on communities living with the energy industries operating across the world.

The forum was a side event of the Energy, Sustainability & Climate Task Force and Future of Work and Education Task Force organized in collaboration with Accenture. It was held in Rome from June 21 to June 23.

The forum discussed the future of the energy industry in an era that prioritizes sustainability and a low emission environment to achieve a green and more sustainable planet. Business and industry players are expected to pioneer and lead the future direction that the world demands.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) head Arsjad Rasjid, who spoke at the event, stated that the main players in the energy and utility sector were facing tough challenges in their emission-reduction efforts.

He said that collaborative efforts were needed to reduce emissions and to implement the transition from emission-contributing energy to environmentally friendly, greener and sustainable energy.

“The business dialogue emphasizes urgency and teamwork. Today, the world demands a more sustainable future and collaboration among all business players to adopt a zero-emission policy and green energy transition for the sake of future generations,” Arsjad said.

Arsjad insisted that the transition to greener energy did not necessarily mean preventing companies from making a profit.

Companies that have managed to shift to cleaner energy would gain added value for their brands and enhance consumers’ trust through seeing the business players’ commitment to a more sustainable world.

B20 Indonesia organizing committee member Shinta Kamdani echoed the view that the energy transition had to provide benefits, rather than posing a burden.

Energy transition called for preparatory steps including estimating the required costs and the possible resulting impacts.

“Certainly, energy transition needs huge financial support. G20 countries that contribute to 80 percent of the global economy are expected to extend support to the transition process. Several main priorities that should be noted with respect to energy transition include accessibility, technology and funding,” Shinta said.

Shinta added that a number of business players from across many sectors were committed to demonstrating their support for the energy transition in Indonesia.

Deputy chair of the Energy, Sustainability & Climate Task Force Agung Wicaksono highlighted the energy transition relating to vulnerable communities.

The Energy, Sustainability & Climate Task Force recommended a friendly energy transition policy allowing vulnerable communities to have access to affordable, clean energy. “For this reason, reliable and competitive technology should be developed and long-term funding provided,” he said.

Chair of the B20 Indonesia Future of Work and Education Task Force, Hamdani Salim, said that acquiring global digital economy-driven technology was one of the focuses of the government. “This is closely related to education issues and future job opportunities,” he said.

“Currently, the disparity in digital infrastructure between advanced countries and developing ones remains a big problem. This includes the issue of funding, corporate preparedness, digital literacy and access to knowledge or education,” Hamdani said.

According to Hamdani, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have spurred the rapid development of digitalization and directed the world of work to the adoption of technology and a green economy. “That’s why sustainable education should be in harmony with the future world of work, through the enhancement of the education system, especially in the field of vocation and skill-based training, such as digital learning,” he said.

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