Background

Indonesia has developed considerable expertise in decentralized renewable energy (RE) deployment, particularly in micro-hydro and mini-grid systems, thanks to years of public and private sector innovation. The country’s electrification ratio has improved from 50% in the 1990s to more than 95% today, in part due to locally adapted RE systems for rural areas. This long-standing experience puts Indonesia in a unique position to support other developing countries, especially in the Global South.

ENTRI leverages this comparative advantage by positioning Indonesia as a pivotal partner in South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC). Through collaboration with German cooperation and partner countries in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, the project facilitates the sharing of technical knowledge, best practices, and institutional frameworks to accelerate global access to clean energy. ENTRI is embedded within Indonesia’s international development cooperation strategy, aligned with its role as a G20 leader and long-time promoter of South-South solidarity.

Project Approach

ENTRI applies the SSTC model in which Indonesia serves as the knowledge provider, Germany as the facilitating partner, and participating countries as recipients of tailored capacity development. The project supports multi-directional learning through technical exchanges, expert visits, and joint pilot activities. It emphasizes inclusive knowledge transfer, addressing not just technology but also enabling policies, local economic development, and community empowerment.

The implementation is coordinated through the National Coordination Team for SSTC, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of State Secretariat, Ministry of Finance, and Bappenas. ENTRI also works with Indonesian AID to ensure that its activities contribute to Indonesia’s broader global development agenda.

Digital platforms and in-person interactions are both used to enhance reach and impact. Thematic exchanges focus on practical implementation of decentralized RE, such as community ownership models, technical maintenance, productive energy use, and system design. Pilot projects are used to showcase replicable models, and knowledge is institutionalized within MEMR and other government partners.

Desired Impacts

ENTRI aims to strengthen Indonesia’s role as a global leader in climate and energy cooperation. By sharing its decentralized RE expertise, the country not only contributes to the achievement of SDG 7 and SDG 13 worldwide, but also builds its diplomatic and technical presence on the international stage.

The project enhances institutional capacity in both Indonesia and partner countries through structured knowledge exchange, joint problem-solving, and mutual learning. Indonesian experts benefit from exposure to diverse challenges in the Global South, while recipient countries accelerate their own RE deployment through practical, localized solutions.

Technical and methodological learnings from each SSTC activity are captured, codified, and integrated into Indonesia’s international development cooperation systems, ensuring long-term sustainability. ENTRI also contributes to better coordination between ministries in Indonesia, creating a strong foundation for continued international engagement.