A prominent figure in the clean and renewable energy sectors, Fragaria Alfissima, Managing Director of PT Califpena Sinambung Daya, has built a distinguished career centred around advancing sustainable energy solutions. With a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, Fragaria has played a key role in driving forward Indonesia’s clean energy transition. His professional journey is marked by a proven track record of leadership and innovation in the renewables industry, where he has been a champion of energy sustainability and has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
Under his leadership, Califpena Sinambung Daya has emerged as a major player in the clean and renewable energy field, focusing on the development of solar, hydropower, and alternative fuel projects. Fragaria is known for his ability to identify emerging trends and integrate cutting-edge technologies, positioning the company at the forefront of the green energy revolution.
In addition to his role at Califpena Sinambung Daya, Fragaria is deeply involved in the broader renewable energy community. He serves as a key member of the Bandung Hydro Association, where he contributes his expertise to help shape policies and initiatives that support the growth of sustainable energy. His work in the hydropower sector, combined with his passion for scaling clean energy solutions, has earned him recognition as a thought leader in the industry.
As an advocate for green energy innovation, Fragaria is committed to fostering the development of energy solutions that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable. His leadership is rooted in a belief that renewable energy not only has the potential to combat climate change but also to drive long-term economic growth and job creation.
In an exclusive interview with Business Frontier, Fragaria speaks passionately about why now is the most exciting time to be in the energy industry. He highlights the unprecedented opportunities for technological advancements, collaboration, and policy support that are reshaping the global energy landscape. With his wealth of experience and forward-thinking approach, Fragaria offers valuable insights into the future of sustainable energy and its transformative impact on both local and global scales.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your early experiences? Did you always want to enter the energy industry?
Yes, from a young age, I always wanted to be an engineer. I was curious about how things worked and what I could do to be involved in that. Engineering felt like the right fit for me. I studied at the Institute Technology of Bandung, majoring in Aeronautical Engineering in 1991. One memory that stands out is my fascination with flight—seeing something fly sparked my desire to understand engineering better.
After graduating, I found myself working in the energy sector, where I got the opportunity to implement the theories I learned about energy conversion and thermodynamics. My passion for clean energy developed during my college years. I realised that energy is fundamental to everything, but how we produce and use it significantly impacts our environment.
Q. How did those experiences influence your leadership style today?
My journey in engineering instilled a strong sense of responsibility and curiosity, both of which have profoundly shaped my leadership style. Early on, I learned the importance of understanding complex systems and the interdependencies within them. This knowledge has been invaluable in my role as a leader in the energy sector, where decisions often impact multiple stakeholders.
I believe that effective leadership is about leading by example; demonstrating commitment and integrity encourages my team to adopt similar values. Moreover, my technical background allows me to engage deeply with my team’s projects, helping them navigate challenges with confidence. I encourage open communication and collaboration, fostering an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas and innovate. My experiences have taught me that a leader’s behaviour is contagious; if I exhibit dedication and a strong work ethic, my team is more likely to emulate those qualities, which enhances our overall performance and cohesion.
Q. What is your strategy for delivering effective solutions to clients?
Understanding the problem is key. I invest time in learning about the project and its challenges before presenting solutions to clients. If the issue exceeds my knowledge, I involve team members with expertise in that area to ensure we provide accurate and credible solutions. I also prioritize open communication with clients, encouraging their feedback to refine our approach. This collaborative process not only enhances the solutions we deliver but also strengthens our relationship with clients. By fostering trust and demonstrating our commitment to their needs, I aim to create effective, long-term partnerships that drive mutual success.
Q. How do you manage daily operations while keeping an eye on long-term goals?
Balancing daily operations with long-term goals is a critical aspect of effective leadership in the energy sector. To achieve this, I focus on establishing a clear vision for the future of our organisation. I establish objectives and communicate them to my team, outlining where we want to be in five or ten years. This helps us stay aligned and focused on our goals.
I also communicate this vision effectively, ensuring that everyone is aligned with our long-term goals. Setting intermediary targets helps break down the larger vision into manageable milestones. Regular check-ins and performance reviews are also essential for assessing our advancement. I encourage feedback from my team to identify areas for improvement and celebrate achievements along the way. By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, we can remain agile and responsive to changes while still keeping our eyes on the horizon, ensuring that daily operations support our strategic ambitions.
Q. What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the energy industry?
Two significant trends are poised to reshape the future of the energy industry: increased environmental awareness and the depletion of fossil fuels. As the global population becomes more conscious of climate change and its impacts, there is a growing demand for cleaner energy solutions. This awareness is not just limited to consumers; policymakers and businesses are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their strategies.
Due to the finite nature of fossil fuels, we are witnessing a surge in investments in clean and renewable energy technologies, such as hydro, solar, and wind. Hydrogen as an alternative fuel is starting to be eyed for commercial implementation. This duality—awareness of sustainability and the scarcity of fossil fuels—will drive innovation and transformation across the energy sector, prompting a shift toward more sustainable practices and technologies that can meet future energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.
Q. What excites you the most about the energy industry today?
The current landscape of the energy industry is incredibly dynamic and offers a wealth of opportunities for innovation, particularly in the realm of clean and sustainable energy. One of the most exciting aspects is the rapid advancement in technologies that enable us to harness renewable resources more efficiently. For instance, developments in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy are transforming how we approach energy production and consumption.
Additionally, there’s a growing awareness and demand from consumers for cleaner energy solutions, which is driving both policy changes and corporate strategies. This awareness is coupled with significant investment in research and development aimed at addressing climate change and reducing our carbon footprint. Being part of this transformative phase inspires me, as I believe we have the potential to redefine how we think about energy. My passion lies in exploring these new frontiers and collaborating with my team to create solutions that can lead us toward a more sustainable future.
Q. What do you think is the current need in the energy industry?
There’s a critical need for balance in the energy industry, especially as we develop new technologies. As we transition towards more renewable energy sources, there is an urgent need to develop infrastructure that can support this shift. The challenge lies in ensuring that energy systems can reliably integrate renewable energy with existing networks, all while maintaining financial sustainability.
We need to integrate clean energy solutions with other sectors, like construction and transportation, while also considering financial sustainability. This requires collaboration and innovation across various fields and includes everything from new energy generation facilities to updated grid systems capable of handling diverse energy inputs.
Furthermore, balancing energy production with environmental considerations is paramount. We must be mindful of how energy projects impact local communities and ecosystems. Financial planning also plays a critical role; funding is essential to drive these initiatives forward. Stakeholders must work collaboratively, sharing knowledge across sectors such as construction, finance, and policy-making to create holistic solutions.
Q. What advice would you give to beginners entering the energy field?
Entering the energy industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires hard work and dedication. My advice is to cultivate a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for the field. Understand that success often doesn’t come overnight; it requires perseverance and commitment to continuous learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don’t shy away from seeking help or mentorship from experienced professionals. Staying humble is equally important; maintain an openness to feedback and be willing to adapt.
Building credibility takes time, and it’s essential to demonstrate reliability and competence in your work. Networking is also key in this industry. Engage with peers, attend conferences, and participate in relevant workshops to broaden your understanding and create valuable connections. Finally, remain curious and proactive about emerging technologies and trends in the energy sector. As Steve Jobs rightly said, ‘Stay hungry, Stay foolish’. This industry is rapidly evolving, and those who stay informed and adaptable will be best positioned for success.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have a deep passion for reading and find that books offer a way to explore new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, enriching my understanding of the world. It allows me to step into other worlds and challenge my own thinking, often inspiring new ways of viewing the world around me.
Additionally, I enjoy playing badminton, a popular sport in my country. It provides a fantastic way to stay active and unwind after a busy day. It’s more than just a way to stay active—it’s a chance to clear my mind and engage in friendly competition. It also offers an excellent way to unwind after a busy day and is a great outlet for releasing stress.
Cooking is another activity I cherish, particularly preparing traditional dishes like Indonesian fried rice, which allows me to connect with my cultural roots and share meals with family.
Family time is essential to me, and I often take opportunities to explore new places or engage in activities together. Although I tend to be more introverted, I appreciate moments of connection with loved ones. Balancing work with these hobbies not only enhances my well-being but also refreshes my mind, allowing me to return to my professional responsibilities with renewed energy and creativity.
