UI GreenMetric Hosts Workshop on Circular Economy, Mapping European Policies and Asian Practices

Depok, Indonesia, 5 June 2026. UI GreenMetric, in collaboration with the Faculty of Administrative Science, Universitas Indonesia (FIA UI), and the Research Cluster on Collaborative Governance, Digital Transformation, and Public Service, successfully organized a regional workshop titled “Circular Economy Across Regions: Learning from European Policies and Emerging Asian Practices”. Held at the UI GreenMetric Office, the event convened academics, researchers, policymakers, and sustainability practitioners to deliberate on the evolving role of circular economy principles in addressing global environmental crises and driving systemic change.

The workshop was formally guided by Rayhana, S.Gz., Partnerships & Program Coordinator of UI GreenMetric, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. The event opened with remarks from Dr. Vishnu Juwono, S.E., M.I.A., Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, who emphasized the urgent need to transition from the traditional, extractive linear economic model of “take, make, and dispose” toward regenerative and restorative systems. He highlighted how higher education institutions can serve as critical catalysts for this transition through targeted research, innovation, and institutional transformation. In his address, Dr. Vishnu underscored the shifting landscape of circular practices across both Europe and Asia. Drawing on international benchmarks, he noted that European countries have demonstrated how coordinated policy frameworks and institutional commitments can drive resource efficiency while unlocking economic value. Concurrently, he stressed that Asia represents a pivotal frontier for circular development, given its rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and accelerating resource consumption.

The workshop featured Dr. Kris Hartley, Assistant Professor at the School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, as the keynote speaker. In his presentation, “Implementing Circular Economy in Southeast Asia,” Dr. Hartley explored the conceptual foundations of circularity and examined its practical execution across varying governance structures.

Dr. Hartley explained that a true circular economy extends far beyond end-of-life solutions like waste management and recycling. Instead, it demands a fundamental rethinking of entire production and consumption lifecycles, including product design, supply chains, repairability, and resource recovery. He emphasized that a successful transition relies on systemic adjustments across governments, industries, consumers, and academic bodies.

A core segment of the session focused on recent empirical research conducted by Dr. Hartley and his collaborators in Singapore and Hong Kong. The study examined the specific determinants of circular economy adoption among manufacturing enterprises, mapping out critical enablers and barriers.

The findings revealed that organizational capacity and robust supply chain collaboration are vital to sustaining circular initiatives. Companies showed higher adoption rates when backed by capable internal structures, strong supplier cooperation, and advanced technological integration. However, Dr. Hartley cautioned that technology alone cannot secure a sustainable transition; long-term success fundamentally depends on institutional readiness, governance quality, and cultural shifts.

The subsequent discussion explored how European insights could be adapted to the Southeast Asian context, addressing disparities in infrastructure readiness, policy enforcement, and public awareness between developed and emerging economies.

During the interactive Q&A session, moderated by Dr. Jauzak Hussaini W., S.Kom., M.T., Data and Research Coordinator of UI GreenMetric, participants contextualized these principles within Indonesia. The dialogue touched upon regional infrastructural gaps, digital readiness, community participation, and the potential of local social enterprises to drive grassroots sustainability.

Looking forward, Dr. Hartley expressed strong interest in expanding his collaborative research to Indonesia and other regional counterparts, noting the importance of generating locally grounded data to guide policy development.

This workshop reflects UI GreenMetric’s continuous commitment to fostering international dialogue on global survival and environmental stewardship. By bridging the gap between governance, circular economy principles, and higher education, UI GreenMetric continues to empower institutions worldwide to co-create more resilient and regenerative societies.

Missed the live session? You can watch the full recording of this insightful regional workshop on our official YouTube channel here: UI GreenMetric YouTube Channel.

Written by Muhammmad Dito Rizki Suprapto - Media Relations Intern of UI GreenMetric

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