A key provincial leader advancing South Sumatra’s shift for Indonesia’s just energy transition

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra, Indonesia (ILO Story) - South Sumatra Province is transitioning toward a future that depends less on coal and increasingly on skilled workers and sustainable economic opportunities. In line with this shift, the province established the Regional Consultation Forum (FKD) for Accelerating Economic Transformation last year. Formally created through a Governor's Decree, the FKD brings together local government, employers, trade unions, universities, civil society and the media to jointly shape the province's economic direction.

The province is currently developing a Skills Development Roadmap for a Just Energy Transition, designed to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination and ensure that upskilling and reskilling programmes adequately prepare workers affected by the transition. The roadmap aims to equip them with the competencies needed to adapt to a changing world of work.

The validation workshop of the Skills Development Roadmap for a Just Energy Transition in South Sumatra. 12/2025

At the forefront of these developments is Hari Wibawa, Head of Economics and Development Funding at the Provincial Development Planning Agency (Bappeda). A South Sumatra native, Hari has played a central role in strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and advancing the province's just transition agenda.

"This is not a new topic for me," he shared. "I have worked on greenhouse and renewable energy issues since 2014, when I was still at the Provincial Agricultural Office. I understand how crucial a just transition is for our province, which has long depended on coal production and mining."

From the 13 potential sectors, coffee and tourism have been selected as priorities beyond coal, with technical support from the ILO. Our next step is to raise public and stakeholder awareness about these two sectors.

Hari Wibawa, Head of Economics and Development Funding at the Provincial Development Planning Agency (Bappeda)

Over the past three years, Hari, who graduated from the University of Sriwijaya with a major in agriculture, has played an active role, supported by the ILO's Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI JET) project, in accelerating South Sumatra's shift from coal toward renewable energy and other sustainable economic activities. Through the FKD, he noted, the province has identified 13 potential sectors for development, strengthened inter-ministerial collaboration and broadened awareness of just transition and renewable energy across government, academia and civil society.

"Today, we have strong awareness at these levels, which is essential during this preparation phase," Hari said. "From the 13 potential sectors, coffee and tourism have been selected as priorities beyond coal, with technical support from the ILO. Our next step is to raise public and stakeholder awareness about these two sectors."

Preparing future generations for the transition

Coffee plantations in South Sumatra, Indonesia.

Despite being Indonesia's largest coffee-producing province by land area, Hari observed that South Sumatra's coffee remains relatively unknown among domestic consumers. The tourism sector, too, has significant untapped potential to support economic diversification beyond coal.

For this reason, Hari is now engaging universities to increase awareness of just transition and renewable energy within the education sector, encouraging curriculum adjustments that reflect green business practices. He is also promoting coffee and tourism as promising areas for future employment.

"We need to prepare our young generation to recognize the opportunities in these two sectors. The key question is whether our future workers are ready. We must shift mindsets so they can envision the kinds of jobs available in these emerging sectors.

Hari emphasized that the Provincial Manpower Office of South Sumatra plays a crucial role in preparing workers for this transition. "Our main focus is to strengthen government training centres so they can equip workers with the skills needed to adapt to these inevitable changes. We must prepare our local workforce."

Ensuring the programme sustainability

Media training on just energy transition for journalists in collaboration with the Indonesian Journalists Association (AJI) Palembang). 7/2025

Beyond the manpower office, representatives from enterprises, business associations and trade unions have also been actively involved in the FKD. Their participation has helped Bappeda identify employment needs. "Business associations have expressed their readiness for the just transition and trade unions have provided valuable feedback on labour rights, social protection and livelihoods. Issues that are central to a just transition," Hari noted.

He has also made strategic use of mass media organizations. Recognizing the media's vital role in public information and education, Hari has actively participated in journalist training programmes in collaboration with the Indonesian Journalist Alliance (AJI) Palembang.

"Media is key because they can help educate the public about social and environmental impacts, as well as fairness in energy distribution. We have also involved media representatives in the FKD. Their feedback is essential, as environmental and livelihood issues remain among the most pressing concerns for communities in South Sumatra," Hari added.

Local leadership is essential for turning climate commitments into real change. South Sumatra's proactive approach demonstrates how provinces can lead the way toward sustainable and resilient economic transformation.

Muce Mochtar, the ILO's National Project Coordinator for Just Energy Transition

With the ILO's support time-bound, Hari underscored the provincial government's commitment to sustaining just transition and renewable energy efforts. "No matter what, South Sumatra must be ready. Our collaboration with the ILO has helped prepare the province for a just transition and now we must ensure its long-term sustainability."

Applauding the commitment and progress shown by South Sumatra Province, Muce Mochtar, the ILO's National Project Coordinator for Just Energy Transition stated: "Local leadership is essential for turning climate commitments into real change. South Sumatra's proactive approach, through the FKD, skills roadmaps and broad stakeholder engagement, demonstrates how provinces can lead the way toward sustainable and resilient economic transformation."