Adnan Hasyim Wibowo, a student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) from the Geophysics Study Program (Prodi), expressed his ideas about equitable energy and mining through a written work entitled “Realizing Inclusive Natural Mining in the Midst of Increasingly Massive Development”.

Adnan’s interest in the issue of inclusivity in the energy and mining sector tickled his mind to pour the idea into a written work. Moreover, he admitted that he often found the energy and mining sector still ignoring other issues that are closely related to the process and sustainability of the sector, such as social issues and community empowerment.

“Usually people think about environmental issues kan related to mining, but I feel that it is a classic thing. Other issues that are close to energy and mining are social issues and community empowerment. So, I became interested in connecting and raising inclusive issues with the energy and mining sectors that are just,” Adnan said to the FMIPA UI Public Relations team regarding the background of his idea.

In his writing, he revealed the Potential of New Renewable Energy (EBT) in the form of mini hydro of 450 MW, biomass of 50 GW, solar energy of 4.80 kWh/m2/day plus 7 existing smelters until the end of 2018 is a small part of the potential for energy and mining utilization in Indonesia. The abundance of energy and mineral resources (should) be able to improve the welfare of the community, especially in the country’s ESDM supplier areas.

However, Adnan said that unfortunately this has not been realized optimally because the absorption of labor for the ESDM sector has not been optimal and there are still marginalized community groups, one of which is related to the involvement of disabled groups. Based on data from the 2018 National Economic and Social Survey (Susenas), the workforce participation rate (TPAK) for people with disabilities was only 31.63%.

This is one indication of the lack of involvement of people with disabilities in the ESDM and mining sectors. This condition creates inequality in development and can hinder the realization of SDGs in Indonesia, especially related to inclusive development.

“Therefore, it is necessary to have a regional role in the ESDM and mining sectors that improve people’s welfare,” he added.

According to him, this role can be realized in the form of legal regulations (taking into account input from the Center for Energy and Mining Law Studies), provision of mining facilities and infrastructure that are friendly to the disabled, and training in knowledge and skills for the disabled. Because the ESDM and mining sectors should be prosperous, not just provide a stage for those who are “normal”. When “equal” mining can be realized, then that’s when the word “people” will be complete in the phrase “people’s welfare”.

Adnan then brought his idea to the Energy and Mining Idea Competition at the end of January 2022, and won third place. The Energy and Mining Idea Competition is a national-level scientific essay competition organized by the Center for Law and Mining Studies (PUSHEP). In 2022, the competition carries the theme “Student Ideas for Equitable Energy and Mining”.