Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesia is exploring closer cooperation with Denmark to strengthen the development of green jobs as part of its transition toward a sustainable and inclusive green economy. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Head of the Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH), Moh Jumhur Hidayat, and Denmark’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sten Frimodt Nielsen, along with Environmental and Circular Economy Sector Advisor Erika Torres in Jakarta.
Minister Jumhur said Indonesia has significant potential to create green employment opportunities across a range of environmental sectors, including waste management, carbon markets, and circular economy activities. He noted that Denmark’s experience in building a successful green economy could provide valuable lessons for accelerating the development of green talent and sustainable employment opportunities for Indonesia’s younger generation.
“Indonesia can learn from Denmark in creating green jobs. These opportunities emerge from activities in waste management and environmental services, as well as professions such as carbon credit auditors, carbon analysts, and other sustainability-related occupations,” Minister Jumhur said.
During the meeting, the Danish Government invited Minister Jumhur to visit Denmark from 15 to 19 October 2026 to observe firsthand how environmental management policies and green industries have contributed to job creation and economic growth.
Ambassador Sten Frimodt Nielsen explained that Denmark’s environmental sector has become a significant source of employment. Despite having a population of only around six million people, Denmark has generated approximately 80,000 green jobs through activities ranging from waste collection, sorting, and recycling to renewable energy development.
He also highlighted Denmark’s long-standing experience in waste-to-energy systems, which have helped reduce waste volumes while creating economic opportunities and new employment sectors.
Erika Torres, Environmental and Circular Economy Sector Advisor at the Embassy of Denmark, noted that Denmark’s achievements have been supported by policies promoting sustainable practices, technological innovation, and incentives for businesses and communities that contribute to environmental protection.
According to Torres, the transition toward a green economy can be accelerated through a combination of innovation, effective regulation, and strong public participation.
The Indonesian Government views Denmark’s experience as an important reference in building a green jobs ecosystem capable of generating economic benefits while addressing environmental challenges. Officials believe such cooperation could help strengthen Indonesia’s efforts to expand sustainable employment opportunities and support long-term environmental goals.
As a follow-up to the discussions, the Ministry of Environment plans to send a team to further study Denmark’s green jobs programs and development strategies.
“The Ministry of Environment will engage with relevant institutions working on green jobs to examine existing programs and assess their progress,” Minister Jumhur said.
KLH/BPLH considers green jobs a strategic instrument for advancing an inclusive and sustainable green economy. Through capacity building, knowledge transfer, and international collaboration, Indonesia aims to develop more green-skilled professionals, strengthen the circular economy, and ensure that no generation is left behind in the country’s transition toward sustainable development. (*)
