Indonesia has experienced steady and positive economic growth in the last decade, averaging around 4–5% annually. This progress has been fueled by the expansion of key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure. Notably, the government has set an ambitious vision through the Golden Indonesia 2045, which includes a target for the manufacturing sector to contribute 28% to the country’s GDP, positioning it as a driving force behind long-term national development.

However, this growth has not come without consequences. One of the most critical impacts of increased economic activity is the sharp rise in CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions, which are a major contributor to global climate change. In 2023, global carbon emissions surged once again after a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the energy and industrial sectors identified as the primary contributors.

Private companies in Indonesia are increasingly recognizing that energy sustainability is not merely a trend but a strategic necessity for long-term survival. This growing awareness is reflected in the rising demand for sustainability, adoption of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and commitments to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060.

The journey toward true sustainability cannot begin without a clear understanding of the environmental impact of business activities. This is where carbon footprint tracking becomes essential, as a foundational step in measuring, monitoring, and managing carbon emissions. Amid the growing demand for practical, data-driven solutions, a new wave of tech tools has emerged to address this challenge, including Jejakin, an Indonesian company focusing on carbon footprint tracking and management.

In addition to supporting the broader carbon management ecosystem in Indonesia, Jejakin has introduced innovations that empower business owners to calculate their operations’ emissions and take informed action to reduce them.

Small step, big impact

Jejakin has become a leading example in Indonesia’s carbon footprint startup ecosystem since its founding in 2018 by Arfan Arlanda, Sudono Salim, Andreas Djingga, and Haris Iskandar.

The idea behind Jejakin began in 2018, when the founders shared a common vision: to empower businesses and individuals to create a positive impact on the environment. Their mission went beyond symbolic; they aimed to develop a holistic and comprehensive solution for consumers seeking to contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability.

“The initial idea was actually quite simple — we wanted to help. We saw that many companies were engaging in tree-planting activities, but often these initiatives were merely ceremonial and lacked long-term impact. So, our goal was not only to support these efforts, but also to provide tools to measure their effectiveness,” explained Arfan Arlanda, Co-Founder and CEO of Jejakin.

Read the full article on East Ventures.