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Increased awareness of the climate crisis caused by carbon emissions has inspired various groups to contribute, including businesses. In this context, environmentally friendly development is not only a necessity but also opens up significant economic opportunities for businesses and communities. However, it is important to remember that cutting-edge technological innovation is only one part of this endeavour; awareness of environmental sustainability must also be prioritized.
Dr. Cindy Rianti Priadi, Chairperson of the Environmental Engineering Study Program at the UI Faculty of Engineering, participated in a conversation at the CEO Goes to the Campus discussion forum at Universitas Indonesia with the theme “Powering the Future: Innovations for a Sustainable Mission” at the UI Faculty of Engineering, Depok, West Java, on Wednesday (6/12/2023). In addition to Dr. Cindy, the speakers were the Executive Vice President of Various New Renewable Energy of the State Electricity Company (PLN), Zainal Arifin; Segment Digital Transformation Department Head of SKF Indonesia, Anis Lutfi; lecturer and permanent researcher of the Department of Management & Research Associate of the Demographic Institute of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Anna Amalyah Agus; and content creator Wira Laga Bachtiar.
On this occasion, Dr. Cindy Priadi gave her views on sustainability, underlining that “technology adoption in terms of sustainable development innovation in Indonesia is still minimal. This is reflected in the number of people who do not fully understand the basic principles of the 3Rs, namely reuse, reduce, and recycle.”
“We cannot equate innovation with technology. New technology will certainly require expensive investment costs. However, innovation is more than technology adaptation, it can be in the form of process efficiency so that the cost is cheaper and the benefits can be felt immediately,” he said.
Zainal Arifin, from PLN’s Various Renewable Energy, explained PLN’s efforts in achieving sustainable development, especially in the energy transition from fossil to renewable energy (EBT). These steps include the construction of a floating solar power plant (PLTS) in Cirata, co-firing biomass for steam power plants (PLTU), and utilizing waste as an energy source through RDF Plant technology.
The forum also discussed changes in the business strategies of large companies related to sustainability. Anis Lutfi from SKF Indonesia revealed that by 2030, SKF is committed to achieving zero carbon emissions across its supply chain.
Anna Amalyah Agus, lecturer and researcher at the UI Faculty of Economics and Business, added that environmental sustainability is not only a global issue but also has a significant impact on the economic sector. The government, in response, has provided infrastructure such as carbon markets, carbon taxes, and carbon incentive schemes to encourage businesses and entrepreneurs to implement sustainable development.
The important role of educational institutions in supporting sustainability innovation was also highlighted in this discussion. While the infrastructure for sustainable development already exists, Dr. Cindy Priadi emphasized that curricula in educational institutions also need to be updated so that they are not left behind in facing sustainability challenges and can become subjects in new environmental management.
Met on a separate occasion, Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, Dean of FTUI said, “At the Faculty of Engineering UI, we view the issue of sustainability as an urgent call, not just a desire. Sustainability is a fundamental need, and we at FTUI understand that our role is crucial in creating positive change. We are committed to being pioneers in supporting the development of sustainability-related innovations on campus, encouraging environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions. These innovations are expected to not only reduce negative impacts on the environment but also make a positive contribution to society and the economy as a whole.”
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