Sun Energy, a solar energy developer, launched its social pillar-focused ESG initiative on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with a nationwide educational program titled SUN RISE (SUN Renewable Insight & Solar Expertise).

The initiative aims to address Indonesia’s renewable energy workforce gap while promoting public awareness and participation in the country’s clean energy transition.

As of Q1 2025, SUN RISE has involved over 40,000 participants through more than 600 hours of educational activities conducted both online and offline, targeting the general public, students, and industry professionals.

“SUN RISE is an expression of our ESG commitment to not only educate but also orchestrate energy transition in Indonesia,” Oky Gunawan, Chief Sales Officer at SUN Energy, said on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

“We want to be at the forefront of preparing future talent and building a collaborative ecosystem that supports the adoption of solar energy,” he added.

The initiative comes at a time when 94 percent of Indonesian provinces are deemed unprepared to optimally switch to renewable energy sources. A major bottleneck lies in the shortage of skilled labor in the renewable energy sector.

While IRENA data show around 798,600 jobs in bioenergy as of 2023, the lack of certified and experienced workers has led many foreign investors to hesitate or withdraw from the Indonesian clean energy market.

SUN RISE offers programs tailored to three key groups. First, General Public. Through seminars, webinars, and interactive public showcases, like the Future Energy Box, SUN Energy simplifies solar energy concepts with engaging tools aimed at fostering grassroots awareness.

Second, Industry Professionals. Technical workshops are held to equip professionals with hands-on skills in solar technology, fostering a robust knowledge-sharing network across Indonesia's clean energy ecosystem.

Third, Students & Vocational Learners. Industrial visits, internships, and technical trainings, such as the Solar Technician Program at SMKN 2 Kendal vocational high school, prepare youth for careers in green energy. Over six months, 30 students and six teachers at SMKN 2 Kendal received nearly 150 hours of practical training, supported by industry partners like TML Energy.

“This collaboration empowers our students with practical skills aligned with industry demand. It also increases their employability in the growing solar energy sector,” Ani Nursiah, Head of Electrical Engineering Program at SMKN 2 Kendal, said.

On the higher education front, SUN Energy engages university students through its University Program, offering real-world insights into clean energy careers. One such initiative involved students from the University of Indonesia’s AIChE Chapter visiting SUN Energy Tech Space, Indonesia’s first solar plant monitoring center.

“Experiencing technology firsthand gave us a deeper understanding of career paths in sustainability,” Damian Raka, AIChE UI Student Chapter representative, said.

To date, SUN RISE has partnered with over 70 organizations across Indonesia. SUN Energy’s Head of Marketing, Anggita Pradipta, emphasized that the program forms a cornerstone of the company’s long-term ESG strategy.

“This is not just about education. It’s about empowering communities and building a nationwide movement toward Net Zero Emissionn,” Anggita said.

She cited SUN RISE will not only cultivate solar-literate generations, but also spark transformative change for a sustainable future.

The initiative underscores the growing role of private-sector leadership in achieving Indonesia’s energy goals, especially as the nation moves toward becoming a global player in the green economy.