One of the RDI Clusters, Renewable Energy and Emission Reduction (REER), studies emission reduction efforts in Indonesia and their impacts on the global climate. Among several efforts put into reducing emissions, aiming to reduce energy emissions within applicable sectors will help the transition toward a zero-emission society. Participating in workshops with several stakeholders will enhance the studies on the topics, as it will give the leverage for starting the progress. Until March 2023, RDI has participated in several activities, including field visits and workshops.

Earlier this year, RDI REER research officers (Nadiya Pranindita and Maya Larasati) and an outreach officer (Martha Verena) visited Malang District on 24-25 January 2023. This visit was a part of one of our ongoing projects with The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia on the Optimization of Refuse- Derived Fuel to Decarbonize the Electricity Sector in Indonesia (RDFact). The visit consisted of a two-day agenda that included several activities, such as a formal discussion with the local government representatives and a visit to the Integrated Waste Management Site (Tempat Pengolahan Sampah Terpadu / TPST) MulyoAgung Bersatu and the Talangagung Kepanjen landfill in Malang District.

Furthermore, the REER team also participated in some workshops. The first one, titled ‘Decarbonizing the Building Sector in Indonesia’ on 22-23 February 2023, was supported by collaborating with Net Zero World Ltd Initiative. Rifqi Hakim Dewanto (REER Research Officer) and Aldrich Suryawan (Grant Manager) attended the two-day workshop, which highlighted the progress, challenges, and opportunities from the building sector to conduct a considerable emission reduction strategy in Indonesia. The speaker in this workshop included RDI senior research fellow, Dr. Eng. Beta Paramita.

Another event the REER team participated titled Impact Investing for a Transition towards Zero-Carbon Society in Asia, was held by Indonesia-Japan Policy Research Forum for Asia on 22 February 2023. This time, the theme was focused on impact investing and introducing this practice amongst the stakeholders who were attending. The first session was a discussion to bring about the distinction and implementation of ESG integration so it can be recognized by the financial industries as a factor influencing investor risk-adjusted returns and as a path to achieving a zero-carbon society. Last but not least, RDI was honored to participate in the Asia Electric Vehicle Leadership Technology Summit 2023, which was held on 17 March 2023 at Holiday Inn Hotel, Kemayoran, Jakarta. On this opportunity, the team opened the expo booth to promote past and current studies related to decarbonization and net zero emission reduction.

Written by: Martha Verena