JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia’s push for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology has the potential to create significant employment opportunities, with an estimated 170,000 jobs annually across various industries. Belladonna Troxylon Maulianda, Executive Director of the Indonesia CCS Center (ICCSC), highlighted the economic benefits of CCS in a recent training session on the topic. The implementation of CCS is expected to not only reduce carbon emissions but also boost economic growth through job creation.

The jobs created by CCS implementation will span multiple sectors, not just the companies directly involved in the technology. Maulianda emphasized that the full potential of CCS in Indonesia goes beyond its role in environmental sustainability. With a vast storage capacity of up to 600 gigatons of carbon, Indonesia is well-positioned to become a hub for CCS in Southeast Asia.

There are currently 15 CCS projects under development in Indonesia, with a combined investment of approximately $28 billion. These projects are spread across key sectors such as refineries, petrochemicals, and fossil fuel-based power plants. Some of these projects even involve cross-border collaborations, including a notable partnership with Singapore, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to accelerating its energy transition.

However, the development of CCS in Indonesia faces several challenges. Maulianda pointed out the need for further investment, the development of carbon transportation infrastructure, and raising public awareness as key obstacles. Addressing these challenges will require robust collaboration between the government, industry players, and media.

The Indonesian government has already laid the foundation for CCS implementation with regulatory frameworks such as Presidential Regulation No. 14 of 2024. This regulation provides a legal basis for the execution of CCS/CCUS, while also outlining specific guidelines for contractors working in this area, such as the SKK Migas Work Guidelines No. PTK-070/2024.

Media plays a crucial role in educating the public and promoting the importance of CCS as part of the broader push toward sustainable energy transitions. Maulianda expressed hope that mass media will help disseminate information about CCS, highlighting its potential not only for environmental impact but also for economic development and job creation.

With the combination of technological innovation, cross-sector partnerships, and strong regulations, Indonesia is positioning itself as a leader in the Southeast Asian region’s decarbonization efforts. By harnessing CCS, Indonesia aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint while simultaneously driving economic growth.

As the government, industry, and media work together to advance CCS, the future looks promising for Indonesia’s green economy. With strategic investments and continued regulatory support, the country could become a key player in the global fight against climate change, offering both environmental and economic benefits for years to come. (Uki Ruknuddin)