Jakarta – The inauguration of the National Energy Council (DEN) members for the 2026-2030 period by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace on Wednesday (January 28) marks a crucial moment for the future of national energy sovereignty. The civil society coalition Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia reminded the new DEN members to immediately evaluate several strategic agendas that are behind target to ensure a just and inclusive energy transition.
Aryanto Nugroho, National Coordinator of the PWYP Indonesia Coalition, highlighted the substantial gap between the actual realization and the renewable energy targets. By the end of 2025, renewable energy capacity had reached only 15.6 gigawatts (GW), well below the 45.2 GW target set by the National Energy General Plan (RUEN).
“The challenge for new DEN members is not just compiling figures. These policies must also be implemented. We note, for example, that coal production continues to increase, reaching 790 million tons in 2025. The RUEN limits it to a maximum of 400 million tons,” said Aryanto.
This must be a serious concern for DEN, especially with the planned revision of the RUEN.
“There needs to be a measurable threshold for Indonesian coal production. This should accelerate the energy transition and support environmental sustainability, not just stabilize coal prices. This is a good step toward realizing our commitment to move away from fossil fuels. The government has recently cut production for market reasons. However, such reductions should be a strategy to achieve a just energy transition,” Aryanto explained.
Fossil Fuel Dependence and Import Burden
PWYP Indonesia further raised concerns regarding the nation’s ongoing reliance on imported fuel oil (BBM). The RUEN (Regional Energy Planning Plan) outlines an expectation to begin phasing out fuel imports by 2025. However, fuel imports in 2024 have reached 31.95 million KL, with projections suggesting continued growth.
“This increase in fuel imports signals that our energy independence is being tested. The DEN must ensure that future revisions to the RUEN include concrete strategies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. We must not fall into the trap of ‘false solutions’ like coal gasification (DME), which simply prolongs the lifespan of fossil fuels with a new label,” Aryanto emphasized.
Overseeing Regulations, Aryanto said DEN has a significant role in updating the national energy plan and ensuring that local energy plans align. DEN also needs to be closely involved in drafting new energy laws to ensure they align with the concept of a fair energy transition. He also warned the government against choosing short-term fixes for the energy transition. “Creating new types of fossil fuel energy, like turning coal into gas (DME), could keep us dependent on fossil energy. This transition should speed up the adoption of clean, renewable energy instead of just changing the name and keeping unhealthy practices,” he said.
Mainstreaming GEDSI in Energy Policy
Mouna Wasef, Head of the Advocacy and Research Division at PWYP Indonesia, urged DEN members to integrate the principles of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) within the energy sector. Mouna expresses hope that DEN members, and particularly women members, will work to ensure energy projects are inclusive of vulnerable groups.
Women and people with disabilities are among the groups most impacted by energy projects, both fossil and renewable. The prevalent patriarchal culture in Indonesia means that women are often excluded from energy project decision-making, leaving these vulnerable groups disproportionately affected.
For example, when an energy project pollutes clean water, reduces its quantity, or even removes a water source that was previously easily accessible to residents, the most vulnerable are women and people with disabilities. Women who perform domestic work in the household will struggle to collect or access clean water, which their families desperately need. desperately need. On the other hand, people with disabilities, especially women with disabilities, due to their status and physical limitations, will find it even more difficult to access clean water.
“The energy transition must be inclusive. Decisions must not favor one group while women and people with disabilities bear the impact but get no benefits from clean energy,” Mouna emphasized.
Strengthening Institutional Roles
PWYP Indonesia asks DEN to be more independent as a group connecting different sectors, on par with a ministry, and to report directly to the President. DEN should be brave enough to fix energy policies that do not align with national goals or protect the public interest. A public good.
“We call on the newly inaugurated DEN members to proactively and courageously ensure the achievement of a just, inclusive, and ecologically fair energy transition. The PWYP Indonesia coalition will actively monitor and provide constructive input to the DEN during this term, aiming to achieve transparent, accountable, and inclusive national energy governance that benefits all segments of society. We invite DEN members and stakeholders to engage in dialogue and collaborate for effective, just, and sustainable energy policies moving forward,” he concluded.
Contact Person
- Aryanto Nugroho, National Coordinator of PWYP Indonesia – aryanto@pwypidnonesia.org
- Mouna Wasef, Head of the Advocacy and Research Division of PWYP Indonesia – mouna@pwypindonesia.org
Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia is a group that works to improve, make fairer, and make more open the management of energy and natural resources. PWYP Indonesia comprises 33 organizations across the country, all working to represent public interests in energy and resources. They aim to promote fairness and more efficient use of energy and natural resources at the local, national, and international levels of ecological justice.