Case study: Vocational student’s knowledge and awareness level toward renewable energy in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract The facts of increasing use and decreasing fossil energy have made many people think of using renewable energy. Mindset change and dependence on fossil energy can be rectified through education. Renewable energy education is needed to increase student’s knowledge and awareness. There are only 12 vocational high schools (VHSs) based on renewable energy in Indonesia. This number is not in line with the government’s efforts to revitalize vocational schools toward a sustainable energy state in the future. This article features the knowledge and awareness of vocational students on renewable energy in Indonesia. Data were obtained from 1,250 respondents from 88 VHSs and 27 provinces in Indonesia. Knowledge and awareness level of school students in Indonesia VHSs is discussed in depth based on variables such as gender, parents, island, public school and private school, and areas of expertise at VHS. Respondents filled out questionnaires through a web survey. A descriptive analysis was performed based on the data. National coverage of data related to the vocational student’s knowledge and awareness of renewable energy is the novelty of this article. The results show that VHS students already have a knowledge level in the “good” category for renewable energy and have an awareness level in the “fair” category. Detailed analysis on the reasons is performed as well as solution is offered in this article.