SUN RISE: SUN Energy’s ESG Commitment Through a Collaborative Education Initiative to Accelerate the Renewable Energy Tr

Jakarta, April 30, 2025 – As part of its efforts to accelerate the national energy transition, SUN Energy, Indonesia’s leading solar energy project developer, continues to reinforce its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, SUN Energy launched an ESG initiative focused on the Social pillar through its renewable energy education program, SUN RISE (SUN Renewable Insight & Solar Expertise). As of Q1 2025, the program has reached more than 40,000 participants from diverse backgrounds, ranging from the general public and students to industry professionals, through more than 600 hours of online and offline educational activities.

The challenges of transitioning to renewable energy in Indonesia remain substantial. Over 94% of provinces are considered unprepared for a full shift to clean energy. One of the key barriers is the lack of skilled labor in the renewable energy sector. According to IRENA, Indonesia had around 798,600 jobs in the bioenergy sector in 2023, but the number of skilled workers in broader renewable energy fields remains limited. Bappenas projects that a green economy transition could generate 1.8 million green jobs by 2030, but the readiness of the local workforce is a major concern for foreign investors, many of whom delay or cancel green energy investments due to the shortage of certified, experienced workers. This highlights an urgent need to accelerate human capital development as a foundation for an inclusive and sustainable energy transition.

SUN RISE addresses this challenge by promoting an inclusive, practical, and collaborative educational approach to strengthen energy literacy and prepare a competent workforce to support Indonesia’s national energy transition.

Oky Gunawan, Chief Sales Officer at SUN Energy, stated, “SUN RISE is a tangible manifestation of our ESG commitment—not only to educate but also to orchestrate the acceleration of Indonesia’s energy transition. Through this initiative, we aim to be at the forefront of preparing future talent, expanding knowledge access, and building a collaborative ecosystem for solar energy. More than just users, we want to cultivate a generation of pioneers ready to lead the shift toward a sustainable clean energy future.”

The program targets three key groups:

1. General Public

Through seminars, webinars, and interactive classes, SUN RISE offers accessible energy education that’s practical and relevant to everyday life. SUN Energy also introduces renewable energy technologies via interactive learning tools like the Future Energy Box, showcased at various public events—from sports festivals to youth gatherings—using a fun, inclusive, and accessible approach.

2. Industry Professionals

For industry players and cross-sector professionals, SUN RISE provides intensive technical training, covering everything from basic theory to hands-on field practice. The program equips participants with relevant skills that adapt to the evolving clean energy landscape. It also facilitates collaboration with technical partners to enable direct knowledge transfer and build a professional network that strengthens Indonesia’s renewable energy ecosystem.

3. Students and Young Learners

Through industrial visits, internships, and specialized training for vocational schools, students are introduced to solar technologies, real-world operations, and clean energy career opportunities. The goal is to nurture a resilient generation ready to actively contribute to the energy transition and sustainable development in Indonesia.

In developing SUN RISE, SUN Energy actively collaborates with educational institutions, professional communities, and industry partners, forming a vital foundation for a clean energy education ecosystem that is inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable, aligned with Indonesia’s national vision for a green energy future.

One example of this collaborative approach was SUN Energy’s participation in the Maybank Marathon 2024 in Bali. By bringing the Future Energy Box and Chargee, a mobile solar-powered charging station, SUN Energy provided an engaging, interactive way for the public to learn about solar energy. Positioned near the running track, Chargee allowed runners and visitors to conveniently recharge their smartphones, integrating sustainability values into healthy lifestyles and green sports tourism.

Future Energy Box at Maybank Marathon 2024, Bali

Maria Trifanny Fransiska, Head of Sustainability at Maybank Indonesia, said, “At Maybank Indonesia, we’ve made Maybank Marathon 2024 more than just a race, we’ve woven sustainability into every aspect of the event. The Future Energy Box is one initiative that helps raise public awareness of sustainability and its positive impact.”

In vocational education, SUN Energy—through the SUN Foundation—has partnered with SMKN 2 Kendal to run the Solar Technician Program. This program aligns with Indonesia’s Presidential Regulation No. 68 of 2022 on the revitalization of vocational schools, driven by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to produce work-ready vocational graduates.

Over six months, 30 students and 6 teachers received industry-based training in solar installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting—totaling almost 150 hours of both theoretical and hands-on instruction. With a practical, industry-driven approach, the program aims to enhance the competitiveness of vocational graduates and strengthen the clean energy workforce.

Solar Technician Program Participants in SMKN 2 Kendal

Ani Nursiah, Head of Electrical Engineering Program at SMKN 2 Kendal, said, “This solar technician training equips our students with practical skills relevant to the job market, especially in solar energy. It improves their career readiness and opens greater opportunities in the growing clean energy sector.”

The sustainability of the Solar Technician Program is reinforced through industry partnerships, with SUN Energy involving EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firms such as TML Energy to facilitate hands-on knowledge transfer and further enhance workforce capacity.

Solar PV Engineer Training with EPC partners in Jakarta

Ivan Fauzan, Project Management Specialist at TML Energy, added, “This collaboration provides a key platform to scale solar energy deployment and upskill technical talent. It’s a strategic step to support Indonesia’s renewable energy ecosystem.”

At the university level, SUN Energy’s University Program offers students direct engagement with the solar industry through industrial visits and internships. Students gain practical experience and insights into applying green energy principles in real-world settings. One such example is the visit by AIChE UI Student Chapter (The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, University of Indonesia) to SUN Energy Tech Space, Indonesia’s first and only solar monitoring center.

Students Company Visit from Universitas Indonesia to SUN Energy's facility

Damian Raka, President of AIChE UI Student Chapter 2025, said, “Visiting SUN Energy’s facility gave us valuable insights into the clean energy sector. It deepened our understanding of sustainable careers and cutting-edge solar technologies.”

To date, SUN RISE has partnered with over 70 organizations across Indonesia. With this growing support, SUN Energy is optimistic about driving a mindset shift, from early education to professional levels, on the urgency of transitioning to clean energy.

Anggita Pradipta, Head of Marketing at SUN Energy, concluded, “SUN RISE is more than just an educational initiative—it’s part of SUN Energy’s long-term ESG commitment. By raising awareness, building skills, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we aim to shape an inclusive and sustainable green energy ecosystem. We hope that this program nurtures not only a solar-literate generation but also communities ready to take an active role in accelerating Indonesia’s journey to Net Zero.”

Through its sustained focus on education, collaboration, and sustainability, SUN Energy continues to champion the emergence of a new generation ready to help build a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable energy future, fully aligned with its ESG principles.

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