BALIKPAPAN - The Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), Prof. Erma Suryani, S.T., M.T., Ph.D, attended a public lecture delivered by the Governor of East Kalimantan entitled “Just Energy Transition and Opportunities for Green Jobs and the Green Economy in Kalimantan and Southeast Asia”, held at the University of Balikpapan (Uniba) on Tuesday (27 January 2026).

Based on an official release from the East Kalimantan Provincial Government published on setda.kaltimprov.go.id, the Governor of East Kalimantan, H. Rudy Mas’ud, stated that green jobs environmentally friendly occupations are no longer a future concept, but a real and growing opportunity in East Kalimantan that is increasingly connected to the academic world.

The Governor, commonly known as Harum, emphasized that students from various academic disciplines play a strategic role in the development of the green economy. In the renewable energy sector, particularly solar energy, engineering and vocational students can contribute as designers and technicians involved in the installation of solar panels on campuses, schools, and within green industrial areas.

In addition, in the field of energy efficiency, graduates from economics and engineering programs have opportunities to work as energy auditors, assisting buildings in reducing electricity consumption and operational costs. According to the Governor, this role also helps foster a culture of energy conservation within society.

In the environmental and forestry sectors, green jobs are expanding through social forestry programs, mangrove restoration initiatives, and the management of conservation areas. Young people are needed as community facilitators, field researchers, and technology-based data managers and analysts.

The participation of the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) in this event reflects the institution’s commitment to supporting the development of high quality human resources in the fields of energy transition, sustainable technology, and the green economy. ITK continues to promote the integration of sustainability issues into education, research, and community service as part of its academic contribution to the development of East Kalimantan.

This public lecture reaffirmed the strategic role of higher education institutions as centers for nurturing green talents capable of addressing the challenges of sustainable development at both regional and Southeast Asian levels.

Documentation: Syaid Fathur Alqadrie
Source: setda.kaltimprov.go.id