Environmentally Friendly Jobs Are Increasingly Attracting Young People 

In the face of the climate crisis and the transition toward a green economy, environmentally friendly jobs—commonly referred to as Green Jobs—have garnered global attention. As a developing country with a large youth population, Indonesia holds significant potential to drive growth in this sector. The report "Green Jobs in the Eyes of Youth" released by Coaction Indonesia (2024) offers an in-depth look into the perceptions, interests, and challenges faced by young people in accessing environmentally friendly jobs in Indonesia. 

What Are Green Jobs? 

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Green Jobs are positions that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment, whether in traditional sectors like manufacturing and construction or in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. These jobs must be decent, meaning they provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and protected labor rights. 

Indonesian Youth Perspectives on Green Jobs 

Coaction Indonesia conducted a national survey of 622 respondents aged 17 to 35 from various regions in Indonesia. The findings revealed that most young people are concerned about environmental issues. Around 95% of respondents acknowledged the importance of protecting the environment, though only 50% had incorporated environmentally friendly practices into their daily lives. 

More than 70% of respondents expressed interest in working in the Green Jobs sector after understanding the definition. This suggests that while the term was not widely known beforehand, there is great potential if education and information are effectively disseminated. 

Obstacles and Challenges 

Despite strong interest, several challenges hinder youth involvement in the Green Jobs sector: 

1. Lack of Information: Many young people do not have a clear understanding of what Green Jobs are or how to pursue them. 

2. Technical Skills: Most green jobs require specific technical skills, such as knowledge of renewable energy, energy efficiency technology, or waste management. 

3. Access to Training and Education: The limited availability of training and education programs supporting green careers remains a significant barrier. 

4. Limited Job Opportunities: In some regions, particularly outside Java, green job opportunities are still scarce.

The Role of Social Media and Digital Technology 

The Coaction survey found that social media is the primary source of information for Indonesian youth. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok have broad reach and serve as effective channels for educational campaigns. This presents an opportunity to develop targeted digital communication strategies to raise awareness and interest in Green Jobs among young people. 

Connecting Youth with Green Job Opportunities 

To increase youth participation in Green Jobs, strategic actions can be taken by governments, industries, and educational institutions: 

• Integrate green curricula into formal and vocational education systems. 

• Encourage collaboration between the private sector and training institutions to offer internships or certification programs. 

• Strengthen digital platforms that connect young job seekers with companies in the green sector. 

• Increase funding for start-ups in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy industries. 

Green Jobs as a Pillar of a Just Energy Transition 

Green Jobs play a crucial role in supporting a just energy transition in Indonesia. As the country begins to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and shift toward clean energy sources, the demand for workers with new skill sets will grow. Young people are key actors in this process, as they represent the future workforce capable of adapting and driving innovation. 

Coaction Indonesia emphasizes that Green Jobs are not just about job creation, but also about creating work systems that are fair, inclusive, and sustainable. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). 

Green Jobs offer great hope for a more sustainable future for Indonesia. Youth possess the passion, creativity, and energy to become key drivers in this sector. However, without inclusive policy support, relevant education, and adequate access to information, this potential may not be fully realized. 

Governments, the private sector, and civil society must collaborate to create an ecosystem that supports the development of Green Jobs. Through collective action, we can not only create new employment opportunities but also ensure a greener future for the next generation. 

Want to Start a Career in the Green Jobs Sector? 

Don't miss the chance to grow your skills through training and certification in environmentally friendly job fields. Visit training-indonesia.org and discover a range of Green Jobs training programs designed to prepare you for the future workforce—equipped to tackle climate change and support the sustainable energy transition. 

Reference: 

• Coaction Indonesia. (2024). Green Jobs di Mata Orang Muda: Identifikasi Pemahaman, Minat, serta Tantangan Orang Muda untuk Mengakses dan Berpartisipasi dalam Pekerjaan Ramah Lingkungan. Jakarta: Coaction Indonesia. 
• Photo by Los Muertos Crew: https://www.pexels.com/photo/construction-worker-wearing-yellow-hard-hat-8853512/