Why Renewable Energy Could Transform Indonesia’s Future: A Call to Gen Z
Gen Z, Picture This: Jakarta, a bustling city, but instead of clear skies, there’s a lingering haze. It’s not just fog; it’s pollution from coal plants and heavy traffic. Indonesia’s reliance on fossil fuels doesn’t just cloud the sky — it affects every part of your life, from your health to your wallet. But what if there was a better way forward?
Fossil Fuels: How They’re Impacting Your Wallet and Health
Let’s talk numbers. Right now, Indonesia’s electricity price is around IDR 1,470 per kWh (USD 0.10) (International Energy Agency, 2021). This price is heavily influenced by the cost of coal, our primary energy source, and compounded by government fuel subsidies. These subsidies alone cost Indonesia nearly USD 8.4 billion in 2021 (OECD, 2022). That’s taxpayer money — your money — going to keep prices from skyrocketing even further.
“Think of subsidies as a double-edged sword — they keep prices lower but drain public funds that could be invested in better infrastructure, healthcare, or education.”
The Hidden Health Costs of Coal
According to a 2020 study by Greenstone and Fan, air pollution from coal combustion doesn’t just harm the environment; it shortens lives and drives up healthcare costs. In Indonesia, coal-related pollution is linked to about 40,000 premature deaths each year from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The Harvard School of Public Health estimated that each kWh of coal-generated electricity adds a hidden public health cost of USD 0.08–0.10 per kWh. That cost includes hospital admissions, lost workdays, and medication — expenses that impact everyone.
“Each breath you take in a polluted city is a silent argument for clean energy.”
What Could Renewables Do for Indonesia?
Now, let’s consider what would happen if we invested more in renewables. Over the past decade, solar energy costs have dropped by over 85%, and in 2022, solar power projects in Indonesia produced electricity at about USD 0.04 per kWh — less than half the cost of coal-based energy (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2022). That’s a massive saving that could make a real difference in household budgets and government spending.
Cost Savings from Clean Energy
Switching to renewables isn’t just about lowering your electricity bill; it’s also about tackling healthcare costs. Studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that countries embracing clean energy see up to 30% savings in healthcare expenses due to cleaner air. That’s money saved on respiratory illnesses, fewer doctor visits, and more days of good health.
“Cleaner energy isn’t just about the environment — it’s about creating a healthier and more financially stable Indonesia.”
Economic Opportunities: The Job Potential in Renewables
Investing in renewable energy isn’t just about saving costs; it’s about creating jobs. According to the International Labour Organization (2022), renewable energy projects generate three times more jobs per dollar spent compared to fossil fuels. Imagine the opportunities for young Indonesians: careers in wind and solar technology, sustainable infrastructure, and even research in energy innovations. For a country with a growing workforce, that’s a game-changer.
“With every dollar we put into renewables, we’re investing in a sustainable economy that works for us all.”
The Role You Play in Driving Change
This might sound like a big-picture issue, but it’s actually closer to you than you think. As part of Indonesia’s Gen Z, your choices and advocacy can make a difference. Here’s how:
- Support Energy Efficiency at Home
Start small. Studies show that energy-efficient homes can reduce electricity use by up to 40% (U.S. Department of Energy, 2021). By switching to LED bulbs, energy-efficient appliances, and rooftop solar where possible, you’re directly lowering your impact. - Raise Your Voice on Social Media
Advocacy matters. Pew Research (2020) found that 71% of young people’s engagement on social media led to broader awareness around climate issues. Share credible data, tag policymakers, and join online movements pushing for clean energy policies. - Choose Sustainable Products
Each time you buy a sustainable product, you’re supporting businesses that align with your values. According to a Nielsen survey (2021), 73% of Gen Z globally are willing to pay more for sustainable goods. Support brands that prioritize sustainability, and let your spending speak for the future you want.
“Every choice, from what you buy to what you post, shapes the direction of Indonesia’s energy future.”
Imagine Indonesia in 2035: Clean Skies, Affordable Energy, Healthier Lives
Let’s picture Indonesia in 2035. Imagine a skyline in Jakarta, not hazed over by smog, but clear and bright. Imagine stable, affordable renewable energy that doesn’t rise with the price of coal or oil. It’s not just a cleaner Indonesia — it’s a wealthier, healthier one, with funds diverted to innovation, healthcare, and better living standards.
Switching to renewable energy means reducing both energy and healthcare costs, creating an economy where your generation can thrive. Every choice you make today — whether it’s supporting local brands, advocating for change, or cutting your energy use — lays the foundation for that future.
“Sustainable change starts with us, and the choices we make today shape tomorrow’s legacy.”
Your Call to Action
So, how can you be a part of steering Indonesia toward a brighter future?
- Stay Informed and Educate Others
Knowledge is power. Organizations like the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) regularly publish updates on Indonesia’s energy landscape. Staying informed helps you make better choices. - Engage and Advocate
Use your social platforms to raise awareness about renewable energy. Share data, join climate action campaigns, and advocate for policies that prioritize a sustainable economy. - Support Local and Sustainable Brands
Each purchase is a small act of change. By choosing sustainable products and supporting MSMEs committed to eco-friendly practices, you’re casting a vote for the future you believe in.
“The future isn’t just something that happens to us; it’s something we create together.”
Final Thoughts: Building the Indonesia We Want
Gen Z, this isn’t just about policy; it’s about the lives we’re shaping with every decision. Let’s build an Indonesia that’s not only economically strong but environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. Taking action today means setting the course for a cleaner, more resilient tomorrow.
The future isn’t just waiting — it’s ours to build.
References
- International Energy Agency, 2021. “Indonesia’s Energy Pricing.”
- OECD, 2022. “Indonesia Fossil Fuel Subsidies.”
- Greenstone and Fan, 2020. “Health Impacts of Coal in Indonesia.”
- Harvard School of Public Health, 2020. “Public Health Costs of Coal.”
- International Renewable Energy Agency, 2022. “Solar Cost Reductions.”
- World Health Organization (WHO), “Clean Energy & Health Savings.”
- International Labour Organization, 2022. “Job Creation in Renewables.”
- U.S. Department of Energy, 2021. “Energy Efficiency and Savings.”
- Pew Research, 2020. “Social Media and Climate Awareness.”
- Nielsen, 2021. “Gen Z and Sustainable Goods.”
