Sandi Uno: Indonesia's Green Economy Becomes New Growth Engine, Investments Reach US$1 Trillion

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Businessman Sandiaga Uno states that Indonesia has significant potential in the green economy sector. This is because countries in the Asian region, including Indonesia, are blessed with abundant natural resources (SDA) that form the main aspect of the green economy.

“Indonesia excels. We excel in natural resources and also in biodiversity, so this is an opportunity for a new economic growth engine,” he said at the Sandilogi event at the Centennial Tower Office in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/4/2026).

Sandi revealed that Indonesia’s potential for the green economy is very large. This is due to a global trend shift that promotes moving from mere ESG or net zero to something more mainstream. Even the value of green investments has now reached US$1 trillion.

“So this is almost equal to the size of our economy; it’s starting to become mainstream,” he stated.

According to him, carbon is the capital for sustainability leading to scalability and ultimately profitability. In Indonesia, the carbon market is showing increasing development. “Because for these entrepreneurs, the point is real profit, right,” he said.

He added that the government is urged to support businesses operating in the green economy sector through regulations and by providing incentives to business actors. This is because the future in this sector is bright and can create jobs.

“So there must be more incentives given, and the regulations must be conducive so that more investments come, which now amount to around US$1 trillion per year,” he concluded.

Sandiaga Uno stated that he will soon join the issuer providing testing, inspection, and certification services, PT Mutuagung Lestari Tbk (MUTU). However, he could not yet disclose the specific position he will hold.

“This is still in finalisation, so we can’t provide details yet, but it’s getting closer,” he said.

Sandi explained that his interest in joining the issuer is because MUTU is starting to enter green energy. “Because I see the green economy as something that will be our future investment focus, so we want closer synergy and collaboration,” he revealed.

In the future, in collaborating with MUTU, Sandi will promote a green ecosystem. Moreover, the industry in that sector is one of the investment portfolios at Saratoga.

“The potential is huge; there’s a global shift now from ESG or net zero, which was previously discussed in certain circles, now it’s mainstream,” he said.