Pijar Foundation Strengthens UK–Indonesia Green Collaboration Through the FutureGen for Change Program in Semarang

The British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, H.E. Dominic Jermey CVO, OBE, paid an official visit to Semarang City, Central Java, on Wednesday (October 22). This inaugural visit was part of the Pop-Up Embassy: UK Goes to Central Java program, an initiative of the British Embassy involving the British Council and British Chamber of Commerce, aimed at strengthening engagement with local governments, businesses, and civil society.

Ambassador Jermey was warmly welcomed by Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti at Moch Ihsan Building.

During the meeting, the British Embassy presented the results of the FutureGen for Change Program, three recycled chairs produced by Parongpong Raw Lab, made from 90 kilograms of plastic waste, funded by the UK Tech Hub team and developed in collaboration with Pijar Foundation.

According to Ambassador Jermey, this innovation represents a tangible example of UK–Indonesia collaboration in advancing the green economy. “We are here to build relationships, listen to local perspectives, and witness firsthand how the UK–Indonesia partnership creates real impact for the people of Central Java, especially in Semarang,” said Jermey.

He further explained that the strategic partnership between President Prabowo Subianto and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is now focused on strengthening cooperation in economic growth, climate and energy, security and defense, and social issues.One of the concrete initiatives highlighted during this visit was support for startup innovation, plastic waste management, and health service development.

“I’m very pleased to see how plastic waste can be transformed into building materials and furniture. This is a real example of sustainable local innovation,” Jermey remarked as he sat on one of the recycled chairs alongside Mayor Agustina.

In addition, Jermey mentioned the upcoming UK Skills Trade Mission to be held in Semarang, featuring British companies specializing in training and workforce certification. This initiative is expected to open new avenues for human resource development partnerships. “We hope more British companies will follow the example of HSBC, Prudential, and Standard Chartered, which have already invested here,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Agustina welcomed the British Ambassador’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen international collaboration, particularly in environmental innovation and the circular economy. “Semarang is the first city to collaborate on turning plastic waste into furniture. This is an extraordinary economic opportunity for our people,” she said.

She noted that the collaboration also supports the city’s flood control and water management programs, which remain key municipal priorities. Agustina even plans to extend this partnership through the Water Resilience City Summit in London this coming December. “We want to learn how to manage water not only as a flood threat but also as a source of life and economic opportunity,” she stated.

The FutureGen for Change Program itself is implemented under a Cooperation Agreement between the Semarang City Government and Pijar Foundation, effective from January 31, 2025, to January 31, 2026, aimed at building an innovation ecosystem and expanding the adoption of eco-friendly solutions in urban areas.