RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s transition toward a green economy is projected to be a major source of new employment opportunities, with the government urging young people to seize the moment to address environmental challenges and drive future growth.

Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat said the shift to a low‑carbon economy will generate significant demand for workers with green skills and expertise. “The transition toward a green economy is expected to create millions of new jobs. The future of the global economy is not only digital, but also green,” he said at National University (UNAS) in Jakarta on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Minister Jumhur noted that the world is facing pressing challenges, including the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. These impacts, he stressed, extend beyond ecological concerns and increasingly affect society and the economy.

Amid these challenges, Indonesia is seen as having strong potential to play a leading role in advancing the global sustainability agenda. With abundant natural resources and rich biodiversity, the country has a solid foundation for developing a green economy.

He emphasized that young people, particularly members of Gen Z, will be central to this transformation. A survey by RIMBA found that more than 80 percent of Indonesian Gen Z respondents are concerned about environmental issues.

Minister Jumhur said such awareness must be translated into innovation, entrepreneurship, and concrete actions that deliver both economic and environmental benefits.

As the green economy expands, demand for sustainability‑related professions is expected to rise, including renewable energy specialists, environmental engineers, modern waste management professionals, carbon analysts, circular economy experts, and green entrepreneurs.

The government has set a target to ensure all national waste is properly managed by 2029 through strengthening the circular economy and modernizing waste management systems. Technologies such as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and Waste‑to‑Energy Power Plants (WTE) are being promoted to create economic value from waste.

“Young people are expected not only to become job seekers but also innovators and entrepreneurs capable of creating new businesses. If Indonesia can protect its environment while building a strong circular economy, it can make a meaningful contribution to the world,” Minister Jumhur concluded. (Annaila Azzahra)