ERIA: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia

Earlier today, ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, in Jakarta. This meeting marked ERIA President's first official engagement with President Prabowo Subianto’s cabinet. We express our gratitude to Minister Airlangga for the warm reception and the opportunity to discuss collaboration under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, explore AI and the digital economy, and review the progress of the ERIA-CMEA MoU signed in July 2024. This visit underscores ERIA’s commitment to supporting Indonesia’s economic and sustainable development objectives. We look forward to fostering stronger partnerships and achieving shared goals in the years ahead. Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia | Aladdin D. Rillo | Dionisius N. | Tomy Waskitho | Dega Putra Wardhana

From a modest beginning, ASEAN has emerged as a formidable economic force. 🚀 But beneath this remarkable growth lie structural challenges that could slow its progress. What are these hurdles, and how can ASEAN rise above them to thrive in today’s multipolar world? 🌍 🔗 https://lnkd.in/guV7UKpi #ERIA #ASEAN #ASEANEconomy #GlobalTrade Lili Yan Ing | yessi vadila | David Christian

Starting the year 2025 with a throwback to the first-ever #eTradeforWomen in-person Masterclass for women digital entrepreneurs in South Asia, in collaboration with Advocate Ajaita S. Over four days, 21 women business owners strengthened their skills, built valuable connections, and uncovered new opportunities to scale up. Watch our highlights video to relive the moments! ERIA: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia https://lnkd.in/es5wWdqS

Ready to shape policies that drive change in ASEAN and Emerging Asia? ERIA is still accepting applications for the (Senior) Policy Fellow – Policy Design and Operation(s) role. Do not miss your chance—apply now via bit.ly/ERIAcareer!

🌟 We are Expanding Our Team at E-DISC! 🌟 The ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) is growing, and we are looking for talented individuals to join our team. Are you ready to make an impact? 🔍 Research Associate – E-DISC Contribute to cutting-edge research on digital innovation topics such as cybersecurity, supply chain digitalization, digital talent development, and artificial intelligence. Attend and organise research-related meetings and conferences locally and internationally. We also have another position available: 🔍 (Senior) Policy Fellow – Policy Design and Operation Take the lead in high-quality research and strategic policymaking for ASEAN and Emerging Asia. Collaborate with key stakeholders to design impactful policies that shape a sustainable future. 📌 Apply now: bit.ly/ERIAcareer Join us and help shape the future of policies and innovation across the region and beyond. 🌏✨ #ERIA #NowHiring #CareerOpportunities #KerjaNGO #DigitalInnovation #PolicyResearch

Excited to share my latest publication in the Journal of Energy and Safety Technology by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia: "Afterall, We Leave Someone(s) Behind": Investigating the Discourses of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7 in ASEAN. Under Dr Alloysius Joko Purwanto's guidance, ERIA: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, this study examines how SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all in the ASEAN region. Our findings highlight the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to achieve this goal. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g28t7qzi

As 2025 begins, ERIA reflects on the achievements of the past year and the collaborative spirit that has driven our collective progress. We are truly grateful for your support and partnership, which continue to inspire our mission of advancing sustainable growth and regional integration. The new year presents fresh opportunities to build on our successes and address emerging challenges. We look forward to deepening our collaboration and creating meaningful impact together in the year ahead. Thank you for being part of our journey. Best wishes for a joyful, healthy, and prosperous 2025!

Do not miss this opportunity to join the conversation on sustainable housing, buildings, and cities. Be part of a transformative event that brings together experts, policymakers, and innovators from around the globe. 🌐 Register now at https://lnkd.in/gq7ySgpm and secure your spot today!

Indonesia’s Bioethanol Goals: A Reality Check. Indonesia's bioethanol strategy to substitute gasoline use in road transport is based on molasse, i.e., byproduct obtained from refining of sugarcane into sugar which is demanded commodity by various sectors. Enough molasse supply at an affordable price is hard to secure despite various fiscal policy options. Our research and development capacity is challenged to develop the 2nd generation or other sustainable advanced drop-in bioethanol. Groundbreaking measures are urgently needed as the progress of Indonesian bioethanol mandate implementation has led nowhere in nearly 15 years. Thank you pak Nuki Agya Utama, PhD for the collaboration in writing this op-ed at the Jakarta Post: https://lnkd.in/gjUqadWG P.S: my illustrated photo in the printed article looks like a character from the 1939's GWTW 😎 😄 ERIA: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia #bioethanol #energy #roadtransport #climatechange #energypolicy #sustainablebioenergy #biofuel #biodiesel #molasse #sugarcane #lignocellulosic #crudepalmoil #gasoline #pertamina #B35 #Java

Electricity prices across the globe are shaped by a variety of factors, including the energy mix, market design, and policy frameworks. A critical component of this discussion is the role of RE, particularly its impact on affordability and grid stability. While renewable energy is essential for achieving decarbonization, the type and role of RE in the energy mix are crucial in determining its effect on electricity prices. Countries with significant baseload renewable energy sources, such as hydropower or geothermal, demonstrate how a high share of RE can coexist with low electricity prices. #Brazil and #Canada are prime examples, leveraging their abundant hydropower resources to maintain stable, affordable energy systems. These baseload renewables provide consistent power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing the need for costly backup systems. In contrast, nations heavily reliant on variable renewable energy (vRE), such as wind and solar, often face higher electricity prices. This is particularly true for countries like #Germany and the #UK, where the integration of vRE has introduced higher grid management costs, the need for backup capacity, and increased investments in storage and infrastructure. Without sufficient baseload capacity—whether from renewable sources like hydropower and geothermal, fossil fuels, or nuclear power—vRE's intermittency can strain the grid and drive up prices. #Nuclear energy emerges as a strategic alternative for countries without access to renewable baseload resources. Its ability to provide reliable, low-carbon baseload power makes it an effective partner for balancing the intermittency of vRE. #France, for instance, demonstrates how nuclear energy can help maintain lower electricity prices while supporting decarbonization goals. The lesson is clear: to ensure affordable and sustainable energy systems, countries must prioritize renewable baseload options like hydropower and geothermal wherever possible. For nations without these resources, nuclear energy offers a viable alternative to support grid stability and price control. Overreliance on vRE without adequate baseload—whether from renewables, fossil fuels, or nuclear—can lead to inefficiencies, higher costs, and energy insecurity. The path to a cleaner, more affordable energy future is not one-size-fits-all. Each country must craft an energy mix tailored to its resources and needs, balancing sustainability with economic practicality. By prioritizing baseload RE and strategically integrating vRE, nations can achieve a stable, affordable, and sustainable energy transition. Lars Schernikau | Bob S. Effendi | Kei Sudo | Zulfikar Yurnaidi | Alloysius Joko Purwanto | Dr. Intan Murnira Ramli | Razib Dawood | Putra Adhiguna | Alex Hong | Andy Tirta | Ahmad Yuniarto | Darmawan Prasodjo | Sho H. | weerawat chantanakome | Peerapat Vithayasrichareon | ERIA: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia ASEAN Centre for Energy