As part of efforts to promote green economic growth and implement a circular economy, the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas will hold the Green Economy Expo 2024 on July 3-5, 2024. This event aims to: 1) bring together stakeholders (government and non-government) to identify solutions for issues related to the green economy; 2) promote green technologies and innovations currently being developed by national stakeholders; and 3) provide opportunities to explore ideas and exchange thoughts in the context of green technology and innovation. The main topics to be discussed at the exhibition include the development of a circular economy ecosystem, comprehensive energy transition, and strengthening research and development.

The Green Economy Expo 2024 offers participants the chance to network, form partnerships, and build synergies to drive future change. Stakeholders expected to actively participate in the dialogue include representatives from central and provincial governments, industry, academia, financial institutions, and civil society. The Green Economy Expo will also host various thematic talk shows over the course of three days. The discussions will revolve around the green economy, including topics related to electronics.

Electronic waste (e-waste) generation in Indonesia reached 2.1 million tons in 2023. Various initiatives have been undertaken by both the government and start-ups to minimize e-waste, such as e-waste collection and take-back programs. However, e-waste management is still dominated by the informal sector, necessitating massive development. E-waste management is regulated under Government Regulation No. 27 of 2020 on Specific Waste Management, but there are no specific derivative regulations governing electronic and electrical waste. Another challenge in implementing a circular economy in the electronics sector is the absence of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations specifically for electronic products and waste. Electronic products contain critical raw materials, which are minerals essential for the national economy and national defense. These critical raw materials are generally derived from non-renewable natural resources that are limited in quantity and depend on natural extraction, posing potential supply disruptions. Implementing a circular economy can provide viable alternative materials for the supply of critical raw materials through recycling, remanufacturing, and refurbishing processes. There is also an urgency to prepare a waste management ecosystem for Battery-Based Electric Motor Vehicles (KLBB) batteries, whose waste will increase significantly in the next five years.

Through the talk show themed “Paving the Way for Sustainable Electronics,” we hope to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the potential circularity in the electronics sector in Indonesia, including the economic potential, available and needed policies and regulations, as well as the opportunities, stages, and challenges of implementing sustainable electronics in Indonesia.