Sanur Clean-Energy Event Flags Bali’s Local Skills Gap

Sanur — A clean-energy event in Sanur on Oct. 15 highlighted a skills gap among local workers as Bali expands renewable-energy activity. Held at the Mercure Sanur hotel, the discussion formed part of Bali Climate Week 2026’s innovation programme.

The event was initiated by Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency, known as Bappenas, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, or GIZ, and the Renewable Energy Skills Centre, or PIKET. Christian Waxmuth, GIZ Indonesia and ASEAN’s Topic Lead for Green Jobs and Skills, said training opportunities remained insufficient for young people seeking the qualifications and certifications required in the renewable-energy sector.

Why the skills gap matters to Bali’s energy transition

The issue has practical consequences for Bali’s clean-energy expansion. Investment is entering the renewable-energy sector, but local workers do not always have the competencies sought by employers. Reporting on the event said qualified workers were often arriving from Java while Balinese residents lacked comparable qualifications and certifications.

For foreign residents and visitors, the discussion signals that Bali’s energy transition is also a labour-market and training challenge, not only a question of new infrastructure. The programmes being discussed are intended to strengthen vocational schools, polytechnics and job-training centres, including through teacher development and student training in renewable-energy fields such as solar power.

Bali Climate Week 2026 runs from Oct. 13 to 17 in the Sanur Low-Emission Zone. Its programme includes policy and investment forums, innovation visits and a public festival. The clean-energy discussion therefore linked a specific workforce problem to the broader effort to build locally led climate action and green jobs in Bali.

Sources

• Tribun Bali — local report on the clean-energy event and skills gap
• rri.co.id
• conferenceindex.org
• ground.news