UNDIP, Semarang (May 28, 2025) – The SDGs Center-LPPM Institute for Research and Community Service of Universitas Diponegoro (LPPM UNDIP) once again held a National Webinar as part of the ongoing UNDIP Sustainability Talks series. Now in its fourth edition, the event carried the theme “Promoting Sustainable Industry through Environmental Governance and Innovation.” Held virtually via Zoom meeting, the webinar drew hundreds of participants from various sectors, including academics, industry professionals, students, and environmental advocates.
The webinar aimed to explore how sound environmental governance and ecosystem-based innovations can be key drivers in transforming the industrial sector toward more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and climate-resilient practices.
The event was officially opened by Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, Collaboration, and Public Communication, who represented the UNDIP Rector. In his remarks, Wijayanto, Ph.D emphasized the vital role universities play in guiding the industrial transition through research, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and continuous public education.
The first speaker, Ir. Sigit Reliantoro, M.Sc., Deputy for Environmental Governance and Sustainable Natural Resources at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan / KLHK), presented a talk titled “Strengthening Environmental and Ecosystem Governance to Support the Transition to Net Zero Emissions.” He stressed that the shift toward Net Zero is inevitable amid the global climate crisis, characterized by extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and threats to socio-economic stability. Emissions from the energy, industrial, transport, and agricultural sectors must be curbed through the adoption of clean technologies and ecosystem restoration.
He emphasized the importance of collaborative environmental governance, where the state serves as a facilitator in a system that involves civil society, businesses, and local communities. Ir. Sigit also emphasized the importance of Environmental Services Payments (Pembayaran Jasa Lingkungan / PJLH) and Ostrom Institutional principles to ensure natural resource management that is fair, adaptive, and sustainable.
Dr. Gesang Setyadi, S.T., M.B.A., Vice President of Environmental Affairs at PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), delivered the second presentation, outlining PTPTFI’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring ecosystems in its operational areas in Papua. As a member of ICMM and The Copper Mark, PTFI has implemented various strategies, including the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reduction of fossil fuel use. On the environmental restoration front, PTFI has been conducting tailings management and mangrove rehabilitation since 2004, as well as constructing E-Groin and Geotube structures. Ongoing monitoring and collaborative research are also performed to ensure the effectiveness of restoration. These efforts align with sustainability principles and support the achievement of the SDGs.
The third speaker, Prof. Sudharto P. Hadi, MES, Ph.D., Professor of Environmental Science at UNDIP, emphasized the importance of achieving sustainable business through innovation. He explained that sustainable businesses must integrate economic, social, and environmental aspects to generate long-term value. Prof. Sudharto highlighted the role of innovation—including eco-innovation, social innovation, and circular business models—as a response to climate challenges and regulatory pressures. He also noted that programs like the Ministry of Environment’s PROPER and improvements in ESG Risk Ratings are key indicators driving industries toward more responsible and competitive practices.
The webinar was moderated by Dessy Ariyanti, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Secretary of the UNDIP SDGs Center, who facilitated an engaging and interactive discussion between the speakers and participants. Audience enthusiasm was evident through the numerous questions and active dialogue throughout the session.
As the event concluded, Prof. Dr. Denny Nugroho Sugianto, S.T., M.Si., Chair of the UNDIP’s SDGs Center, symbolically presented digital certificates of appreciation to the speakers and delivered the closing remarks.
Through forums like this, the SDGs Center aims to inspire more industry players and stakeholders to adopt responsible governance and eco-friendly innovations, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development in Indonesia.