Developing ‘green’ labour in Indonesia: What is the current state of play?

This paper provides a descriptive account of the current state of play in regards to the creation of green jobs in Indonesia. Most countries struggle with the environmental effects of economic and social development, and these effects are of an even greater magnitude in developing countries. Indonesia, being the fourth most populated country in the world, has much to gain by protecting its diverse but fragile nature environment. One method of assisting this process is for countries to develop policies and industries which promote green jobs, while striving for the ultimate goal of a sustainable, green economy. In this paper the current unsustainable economic model being used in Indonesia is discussed. A comprehensive review of current laws and regulations to support green jobs and a green economy is undertaken, along with the identification of potential green jobs sectors. Finally, the challenges facing the creation and development of green jobs are presented, including the likely direction for the green economy, green jobs and the promotion of eco-industries in Indonesia. While Indonesia has taken some steps forward to creating a greener future with the development of policy and/or framework in areas such as the environment, eco-tourism, green industry, and sustainable energy, the coordination mechanism across ministries and between government levels, in the decentralised era, is creating enormous challenges in regards to standardising policy, program alignment, and effective implementation methods.