South Sumatra Province in Indonesia is actively shifting from coal dependence toward a greener economy centered on skilled workers and sustainable economic opportunities. To support this transformation, the province established the Regional Consultation Forum (FKD) for Accelerating Economic Transformation, bringing together government, employers, trade unions, universities, civil society, and the media to jointly shape the province’s economic direction. Alongside this, South Sumatra is developing a Skills Development Roadmap for a Just Energy Transition to strengthen coordination and ensure that upskilling and reskilling programs prepare workers for a changing labor market.
At the forefront of these efforts is Hari Wibawa, Head of Economics and Development Funding at the Provincial Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), who has played a central role in coordinating stakeholders and advancing the just transition agenda. With experience in greenhouse gas and renewable energy issues since 2014, Hari has worked with the ILO’s Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition (IKI JET) project to accelerate the province’s shift from coal toward renewable energy and other sustainable economic activities. Through the FKD, the province has identified 13 potential sectors for development, prioritizing coffee and tourism, and is now raising public and stakeholder awareness about these sectors.
Preparing future generations is a key focus. Hari is engaging universities to integrate just transition and renewable energy concepts into curricula and promoting green business practices. The Provincial Manpower Office is strengthening training centers to equip workers with the necessary skills for emerging sectors. These efforts aim to ensure that young workers can seize opportunities in coffee, tourism, and other sustainable industries, fostering long-term workforce adaptability.
Sustainability of the program relies on broad stakeholder involvement. Enterprises, business associations, trade unions, and media representatives are actively participating in the FKD to provide input on employment needs, labor rights, social protection, and public awareness. Journalist training programs in collaboration with the Indonesian Journalist Alliance (AJI) Palembang are helping educate communities on social and environmental impacts, as well as fairness in energy distribution.
Hari emphasizes the provincial government’s commitment to long-term sustainability, highlighting the importance of local leadership in driving tangible climate and economic outcomes. Muce Mochtar, the ILO’s National Project Coordinator for Just Energy Transition, noted that South Sumatra’s proactive approach—including the FKD, skills roadmaps, and wide stakeholder engagement—demonstrates how provinces can lead the way toward sustainable and resilient economic transformation.
