Semarang (22/11) – The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) hosted the Extractive Transparency Day (ETD) on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Themed “The Future of Creative Industry: Sustainable Governance for the Golden Generation 2025,” the event aimed to raise awareness of the importance of transparency in natural resource management through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Held at the Auditorium of Building A, 3rd Floor, FISIP Undip Campus, Tembalang, the event brought together prominent figures from the government, industry, and academia.

The event was opened by the Vice Director for Innovation and Industrial Downstreaming, Dr. I Made Bayu Dirgantara, S.E., M.M., representing the Rector of Universitas Diponegoro. In his opening remarks, Dr. Bayu emphasized that the initiative aligns with Undip’s vision as a dignified and impactful institution. “The Rector also hopes this event represents our contribution and utility in promoting transparency in the extraction of resources from our earth,” he stated.

Among the notable attendees were Chrisnawan Anditya, S.T., M.T., Head of the Energy and Mineral Resources Data and Technology Center, representing the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of Indonesia and Mr.  Bady Balde, Deputy Executive Director International Team Secretariat of EITI International. Other key speakers included Mohammad Arif (local community representative), Aryanto Nugroho (National Coordinator of PWYP Indonesia), Poppy Ismalina (Associate Professor at Gadjah Mada University) and Dr. Laila Kholid Al Firdaus, S. IP., M. P.P. (Lecturer at the Department of Politics and Government Studies FISIP Undip). Tubagus Nugraha from the Economic Council also participated virtually.

The Dean of FISIP Undip, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., highlighted the pivotal role of FISIP in establishing networks with diverse stakeholders to support energy management and national development. He further remarked, “Our students can do internships at various industries partnered with the university, facilitated and managed through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. This enables us to contribute effectively through programs such as MBKM, internships, and research projects.”

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of ESDM, Chrisnawan Anditya noted that Indonesia is endowed with abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and nickel, but faces significant challenges in their management. By adopting principles of sustainability, good governance, and industrial downstream, the country can achieve greater energy independence.

The ETD event featured two main sessions: a talk show and a workshop. During the discussions, the speakers addressed challenges within the extractive industry sector, including environmental impacts, inequitable distribution of resource benefits, and the projected decline in global coal demand. They also proposed strategic solutions such as implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, integrating the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), and fostering sustainability-focused workforce development.

Additionally, ETD provided a platform for cross-sectoral dialogue among government bodies, corporations, and civil society, in line with Presidential Regulation No. 82 of 2020 concerning Transparency of State and Regional Revenues Derived from Extractive Industries. The event is expected to foster more transparent, accountable, and sustainable natural resource governance for the well-being of the Indonesian people.

Contributor & Translator:

Nur Inayah