Jakarta, INTI - The transition toward low-emission transportation systems and clean energy has not progressed evenly across countries or sectors. Its success depends not only on technological advances but also on public policy, infrastructure readiness, and human factors.
These challenges were highlighted during the keynote session of the International Conference on Sustainable Energy Engineering and Application (ICSEEA) 2026, held at Hotel Trembesi BSD, Serpong, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, featuring experts from Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Malaysia.
The speakers emphasized that the deployment of advanced technologies and green energy strategies will only be effective if supported by global collaboration and socially integrated approaches. By embedding social considerations into system design, the transition toward safe, efficient, and low-emission transportation can become more inclusive and sustainable.
In the first session titled Resilient Transportation, panelists underscored the urgency of developing adaptive and sustainable transport systems to respond to climate change, urban expansion, and shifting global dynamics. Research and innovation were seen as the foundation, but must be reinforced by strong policy frameworks and cross-sector collaboration.
Zainal Arifin, EVP of Renewable Energy at PLN, noted that Indonesia is pursuing energy independence by utilizing sustainable domestic resources such as biodiesel and electric vehicles. The biodiesel program has proven effective in reducing fossil fuel imports, although technical challenges and long-term supply sustainability remain.
Meanwhile, electric vehicle adoption has grown rapidly, with transaction volumes and sales increasing up to fivefold. However, Zainal cautioned that vehicle pricing, limited charging infrastructure, industrial ecosystem readiness, and battery recycling issues continue to pose major barriers.
“Policy support and incentives are still needed so that transportation electrification can progress faster and more evenly,” he said.
A global perspective was shared by Wira Jazair from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, who explained that the global automotive industry is undergoing a shift toward decarbonization, though the pace varies widely. Hybrid vehicles and fuel cell technologies remain relevant as part of broader emission-reduction strategies, particularly as greenhouse gas emissions have declined significantly since the 2016 Paris Agreement.
Meanwhile, Rafet Emek Kurt from the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom, cautioned that the energy transition is not solely a technological issue. Human and social factors play a critical role, particularly in the maritime sector. Experience from collaborative projects in Indonesia since 2016 has shown that improvements in safety, international standards, and operational sustainability are highly dependent on system designs that place people at the center of decision-making.
“Although technology and artificial intelligence help prevent accidents, human factors remain at the core of safety and sustainability. The future of maritime transportation depends on a human-centered design approach,” he stressed.
Clean Energy Innovation to Support Low-Carbon Systems
The second session focused on Clean Energy as a key pillar of the transition toward sustainable development. Discussions highlighted advances in clean energy research and innovation, including the utilization of renewable resources, improvements in energy efficiency, and the development of supporting technologies for low-carbon energy systems.
Danny Pudjianto from Imperial College London stated that the optimal integration of hydrogen and electricity systems could reduce costs, lower carbon footprints, and maximize the use of renewable technologies. Achieving this integration requires careful planning, strong operational coordination, adequate infrastructure support, and regulatory frameworks that encourage technological adoption.
“With this approach, energy systems can become more flexible, efficient, and sustainable in the long term,” he said.
At the same forum, Kiyotaka Tsunemi from Japan’s Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) emphasized safety considerations in the deployment and development of hydrogen technologies. Risk assessment enables balanced strategies between safety, cost, and resource use. Public perception also plays a vital role in hydrogen infrastructure development, including refueling stations. Trends in Japan show significant growth in hydrogen-powered vehicles and refueling facilities, signaling broader real-world adoption of hydrogen technology.
“Public surveys indicate that transparency about risk information and safety measures strongly influences community responses to hydrogen refueling stations. Providing risk-related information can reduce fear and uncertainty,” he explained.
The keynote sessions marked the opening of the ICSEEA 2026 scientific discussions organized by the Energy and Manufacturing Research Organization (OREM) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The international forum brought together researchers, academics, and stakeholders to explore strategic solutions to the challenges of energy transition and sustainable development.
Conclusion
The keynote sessions at ICSEEA 2026 underscored that the transition toward low-emission transportation and clean energy systems cannot rely on technological progress alone. Human-centered design, integrated energy planning, safety governance, and public trust are equally critical in shaping a resilient and sustainable future. Through global collaboration, evidence-based innovation, and inclusive policy frameworks, the energy transition can evolve into a balanced process that delivers environmental benefits while strengthening social and economic resilience.
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