NCSTT held the first ESCN Seminar as a discussion forum regarding the challenges in achieving carbon neutrality and strengthening energy security in Indonesia.

Jakarta, (DN),- The National Center for Sustainable Transportation Technology (NCSTT) - ITB successfully hosted the first Energy Security and Carbon Neutrality (ESCN) Seminar on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Langham Hotel, Jakarta. The seminar, to be annually arranged, takes up the role of a discussion board on the challenges in realizing carbon neutrality and bolstering energy security in Indonesia.

In the welcoming speech, the chairman committee of the ESCN Seminar, Dr. Eng. Bentang Arief Budiman, reported the number of attendees up to 120 participants, representing more than 50 institutions and corporations, ranging from 8 government ministries, 4 academic institutions, and 41 national and global industry affiliates. The Head of the Institute for the Development of Science and Technology (LPIT), Prof. Dr. Ir. Taufan Mahaendradjana, in his speech, remarked saying for the ESCN Seminar could be a discussion and collaboration forum for experts, researchers, business players, and policy makers in achieving future Indonesia target of net zero carbon, in addition to resolve national energy issues. Another opening speech was also given by Mr. Taro Makino (Deputy Director, Automotive Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan), expressing his sincere wishes that the ESCN Seminar could be running well and bringing immense value to society. The Japanese government will fully and actively support Indonesian endeavor to meet the net zero carbon target.

The first keynote speaker of the ESCN Seminar, Dr. Ir. Djoko Siswanto, M.B.A. (General Secretary of the National Energy Council), emphasized the Indonesia roadmap and corresponding strategy to achieve net zero carbon by 2060. The adoption of renewable energy resources, especially solar energy, will be pursued to fulfill the target. The second keynote speaker, Dr. Agus Purwadi (Bandung Institute of Technology), stated that Indonesia has committed to realizing the net zero carbon target. He recounted the high amount of funding required to meet the ambition, thus collaborative work on both a national and global level is imperative. Prof. Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro (Special Advisor for Innovation Policy and Industrial Competitiveness, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs) who was the third keynote speaker highlighted that mastering automotive technology, especially electric vehicles, was the key to unlocking the net zero carbon target, while simultaneously overcoming energy security issues. The electric vehicle technology is comparatively simpler than internal combustion engine vehicles. Furthermore, the massive consumption of materials (nickel, aluminum, copper, etc.), most of which are available locally, will be an undeniable advantage for Indonesia. The fourth keynote speaker, Mr. Takashi Shirakawa (MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION, Japan), mentioned the strategy to achieve net zero carbon in each nation may differ depending on the resources at hand. Indonesia in this case comes with highly privileged and multiple options, not only for electric vehicles, but also potential biofuels along with plug in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid vehicles (HEV) that could be maximally optimized.

The seminar also had panels discussions covering a wide range of topics, including technological advancements in the electric vehicle ecosystem, strategies in battery technology, sustainable recycling practices, the role of diverse energy sources in Indonesia’s green transition, and strategies for realizing a sustainable energy ecosystem. The discussions on each panel allowed for comprehensive insights to be shared on every specific topic and sparked innovative ideas to actualize sustainable energy security in Indonesia.

The ESCN Seminar is envisioned to provide valuable awareness and facilitate collaboration in realizing a sustainable energy ecosystem that can contribute significantly to the future of Indonesia’s environment and economy. NCSTT is strongly committed to organize ESCN Seminar annually to further build up the network and to encourage tangible collaborations between related institutions. Every single progress, advancement, and advice to reach net zero carbon and energy security target will be presented and discussed during this annual seminar.