Rancak Media – Jakarta – A coalition of civil society organizations focusing on energy issues, comprising Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, Enter Nusantara, and Fossil Free UKI, held a peaceful rally at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout in Central Jakarta on Sunday, June 22, 2025. The action was a form of active public participation in overseeing the ongoing selection process for members of the National Energy Council (DEN) from stakeholder representatives (APK) for the 2026–2030 term.
Mouna Wasef, Head of Research and Advocacy at PWYP Indonesia, highlighted the lack of inclusivity in the composition of DEN stakeholder representatives for the 2020–2025 period, particularly the minimal representation of women. Women’s inclusion in the DEN only occurred through an interim replacement (PAW) in mid-2023. According to Mouna, this reflects the male-dominated nature of the energy sector, which sidelines women from energy policy spaces. Consequently, PWYP Indonesia is advocating for an affirmative 30 percent quota for women in the upcoming DEN stakeholder composition, meaning at least two or three of the eight positions should be filled by women.
The coalition also called for the selection of progressive and transformative DEN stakeholder representatives to achieve the 23 percent renewable energy target by 2030. They criticized the current DEN’s pro-fossil fuel paradigm, evident in the revision of the National Energy Policy (KEN) Government Regulation, which lowered the renewable energy target to 17–19 percent for 2025, down from the previous 23 percent. “The failure to meet renewable energy targets is undoubtedly influenced by various policies from technical ministries. However, the DEN should play a stronger role in overseeing the implementation of cross-sectoral energy policies, as mandated by Law No. 30 of 2007 on Energy,” Mouna emphasized.
Mouna explained that the rally is an integral part of a public oversight campaign for the DEN selection process, which is critical to the future of national energy policy. The participants voiced five key demands reflecting civil society’s stance and expectations for the selection process. “We want the selected DEN members to address the challenges of a just energy transition and support policies aligned with global trends toward sustainable energy,” she concluded, underscoring the rally’s aim to promote a transparent, inclusive, and equitable energy transition process.
Five Demands from Civil Society
The first demand was for DEN stakeholder candidates to demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting a just energy transition. The coalition firmly rejected candidates who support Indonesia’s dependence on fossil fuels, instead urging national energy policies to align with global targets, such as achieving net zero emissions (NZE) by 2060 or earlier. Mouna stressed, “DEN candidates supporting this transition must prioritize access to clean energy for remote communities and vulnerable groups, promote low-carbon technology innovation, and ensure socioeconomic impacts, such as the relocation of fossil industry workers, are handled inclusively.”
The second demand emphasized the importance of a selection process free from conflicts of interest. Civil society urged that DEN candidates have no political affiliations or ties to corporate interests, ensuring that selected members can perform their duties independently and prioritize public interest.
The third demand focused on the candidates’ vision. The rally participants highlighted the urgency of having a progressive vision to address the complex challenges of the energy transition. In a country still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, DEN members must be bold and committed to accelerating a just energy transition. Mouna noted, “As we know, the renewable energy mix remains stuck at 14.1 percent in 2024, far from the 23 percent target for 2025, which has now been revised to just 17–19 percent. We need DEN members, especially from stakeholders, with progressive visions to accelerate a just energy transition.”
The fourth demand underscored the critical need for women’s representation in the DEN. The rally participants stressed that the selection process must uphold inclusivity and non-discrimination principles, actively accommodating the interests of women and vulnerable groups. They strongly advocated for an affirmative 30 percent women’s quota for stakeholder representatives. “The DEN member selection must ensure the interests of women and vulnerable groups are accommodated. Therefore, it’s crucial to push for a 30 percent women’s quota, meaning at least three of the eight APK members,” Mouna stated.
The fifth demand addressed transparency and public participation in the entire selection process. The rally called for an open and accountable selection process with active public involvement. “The Selection Committee and the House of Representatives (DPR) must ensure a transparent and accountable process while guaranteeing public input and participation,” Mouna emphasized, highlighting the importance of public accountability.
For context, the National Energy Council is a strategic state institution tasked with formulating and overseeing national energy policy implementation. Its primary duties include drafting the National Energy Policy (KEN), establishing the National Energy General Plan (RUEN), and taking responsive measures during energy crises or emergencies. For the 2026–2030 term, eight stakeholder representatives will be selected, including academics, industry players, technology experts, environmental advocates, and consumer representatives. According to Article 13 of Law No. 30 of 2007 on Energy, these DEN members will be chosen by the House of Representatives (DPR) through a selection process involving a selection committee.
Summary
A civil society coalition comprising Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, Enter Nusantara, and Fossil Free UKI held a peaceful rally on June 22, 2025, in Jakarta to oversee the selection process for National Energy Council (DEN) members for the 2026–2030 term. The rally highlighted the lack of inclusivity in the previous DEN composition, particularly the minimal representation of women, and urged an affirmative 30 percent quota for women in the upcoming term. The coalition also criticized the DEN’s pro-fossil fuel paradigm and the lowered renewable energy target.
Civil society demanded that selected DEN members demonstrate a strong commitment to a just energy transition, possess progressive visions, and be free from conflicts of interest. The selection process is expected to be transparent, accountable, and inclusive of public participation. As a strategic institution shaping and overseeing national energy policy, the DEN’s member selection is crucial for Indonesia’s energy future.
Source: Rancak Media