Ecobiz.asia — Indonesia is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Denmark to accelerate the development of green jobs as part of its broader transition toward a green economy, with waste management and carbon-related professions emerging as key sectors for future employment growth.
Indonesian Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat discussed potential collaboration with Danish Ambassador to Indonesia Sten Frimodt Nielsen and Danish Embassy Advisor for Environment and Circular Economy Erika Torres during a meeting in Jakarta on Monday (June 2, 2026),
Jumhur said Indonesia sees significant opportunities to create green jobs across environmental sectors, ranging from waste management to carbon market services, as the country seeks to prepare its younger generation for the green economy transition.
“Indonesia can learn from Denmark in creating green jobs. These jobs can come from activities in the waste management sector, including becoming carbon credit auditors, carbon analysts, and other professions related to the green economy,” Jumhur said.
The Indonesian government is exploring Denmark’s experience in developing environmentally driven industries and workforce ecosystems that support sustainable economic growth.
During the meeting, Denmark invited Indonesian officials to visit the country on October 15–19, 2026, to study firsthand how environmental management policies have contributed to job creation and green economic development.
Danish Ambassador Sten Frimodt Nielsen said Denmark’s environmental sector has become a significant source of employment, generating around 80,000 green jobs despite the country’s relatively small population of approximately six million people.
According to Nielsen, those jobs have been created through activities such as waste collection, sorting, recycling, and renewable energy development. Denmark is also widely recognized for its long-standing waste-to-energy industry, which has helped reduce landfill waste while creating new economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, Erika Torres said Denmark’s progress was supported by policies promoting environmentally friendly practices, technological innovation, and incentives for businesses and communities contributing to environmental protection.
Indonesia views the partnership as part of a broader effort to build an inclusive and sustainable green economy while strengthening circular economy initiatives and expanding employment opportunities for younger generations.
Following the discussions, the Ministry of Environment plans to send a delegation to Denmark to further study the country’s green jobs programs and policy models.
“The Ministry of Environment will meet with relevant institutions related to green jobs, examine the existing programs, and study their development,” Jumhur said.
The ministry considers green jobs development a strategic instrument to support sustainable development while ensuring that no generation is left behind during Indonesia’s green transition. ***
