Eryawan Taruna (Questrom’25, CAS’25) Pioneering Sustainability, Bridging Business and Green Energy for a Global Future

Eryawan Taruna, a dual-degree student at the Questrom School of Business (MBA) and the College of Arts & Sciences (MS in Energy & Environment) at Boston University, is not just studying sustainability—he’s living it. From the bustling streets of Jakarta to the forefront of green energy innovation, Eryawan’s journey exemplifies how passion, education, and determination can create a path toward meaningful change.

Growing up in Jakarta, one of the most polluted cities in the world, Eryawan longed for the clear, blue skies he remembered from his childhood in Kalimantan, a lush Indonesian island. This contrast sparked a deep desire to combat pollution and create a cleaner, greener world. Encouraged by his parents, both doctors devoted to helping others, he developed a lifelong commitment to making an impact—a value he carries into every role he takes on.

Before joining Questrom, Eryawan served as the Head of Environment and Sustainability Business at Siemens Indonesia. In this role, he led efforts to reduce Siemens’ carbon footprint while driving the adoption of sustainability solutions among external clients. He successfully implemented initiatives that cut the company’s CO2 emissions by almost 50 tons annually and worked with multinational corporations to transition to greener operations. His work with a leading global pharmaceutical company helped reduce carbon emissions across four major manufacturing sites in Asia, including Indonesia. Through these efforts, he highlighted Indonesia’s untapped potential as a global leader in green energy, leveraging its abundant raw materials and competitive labor force.

Beyond corporate sustainability, Eryawan is dedicated to education and mentorship. As a guest lecturer at several universities in Indonesia, he has shared his expertise on green energy and electric vehicles, sparking interest among students in sustainable innovation. In 2021, he was honored as a national speaker on sustainability, where he emphasized Indonesia’s role in the global energy transition. His impact extends to nonprofit and social organizations, where he has worked with underprivileged children, including those battling poverty and illness, to provide education and mentorship. He believes that building a sustainable future is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that progress benefits all communities.

Eryawan’s passion for green energy is closely tied to his love for his home country, Indonesia. During his prior internship at a leading electric vehicle and energy company, he explored opportunities to connect Indonesian government representatives with key industry leaders to highlight the country’s role in the green energy supply chain. His efforts reflect a drive to bridge local and global initiatives, ensuring that sustainability advancements are both inclusive and impactful.

The photos below depict Eryawan delivering a keynote address on sustainability at a national conference in Indonesia (left), presenting Siemens sustainability portfolio to drive greener solutions for businesses (middle), and inspiring and educating underprivileged children through nonprofit initiatives (right).

At Questrom, Eryawan is honing the skills needed to merge environmental innovation with business strategy. His coursework in social impact and energy economics, guided by professors like Richard Stuebi and Larry Strauss, has equipped him with expertise in cost analysis for batteries, supply chain optimization, and sustainability-driven decision-making. These insights prepared him for his internship, where he contributed to global supply chain advancements in battery and powertrain technology, accelerating efforts to transition the world toward sustainable energy solutions.

Eryawan sees sustainability as more than a corporate responsibility—it is a call to action for businesses to drive real change. “Sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about reimagining a future where everyone benefits,” he often says. Through his work and advocacy, he encourages his peers at Questrom to align their careers with meaningful action, urging them to leverage business as a force for good.

As Eryawan looks forward to graduating in May 2025, he envisions himself as a global leader in green energy, driving innovations that reduce emissions and create sustainable solutions. Whether consulting for global organizations, working with international clean energy firms, or leading initiatives in Indonesia, his ultimate goal remains the same: to see the blue skies of his childhood once again and to inspire others to join him in building a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Interview by Jyotirmaya Patro’25

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