NTB – The morning sun was not yet too intense that day, around 10:00 WITA. A time usually associated with domestic chores for many women. Yet another scene unfolded in a village: a group of women gathered to discuss and exchange ideas.
They organized themselves, formed groups, and moved together to drive change. Domestic responsibilities no longer stood in the way of uniting, networking, and introducing new ideas to the community.
These are the women who are members of the People’s School (SEKRA), a learning space and movement initiated by Gema Alam on Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara.
One of the key initiatives from this movement is the development of biogas from cow dung in Taman Ayu Village, Gerung District, West Lombok Regency. The site is located not far from the village’s multipurpose building, where they regularly gather and discuss change.
This biogas program was one of the field-visit destinations for Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, together with the National Energy Council (DEN) and various stakeholders from both government and civil society organizations. The activity was part of the workshop titled “Direction of National Energy Policy and Strengthening the Regional General Energy Plan (RUED) NTB,” held in Mataram on 24–25 February 2026.
During the visit on 25 February, the group of participants, including DEN representatives, directly observed the development and utilization of biogas in the village. They also witnessed the women’s organizing activities that serve as the main driving force behind this initiative.
The biogas program began as an initiative by the women in 2022 and started operating in 2023 with support from the village government. Cow dung from residents is collected at a single location and fermented as part of the biogas production process.
The resulting gas can be channeled to residents’ stoves and used for cooking, just like LPG. In the trials conducted, the flame quality was assessed as quite good, although challenges remain, such as unstable gas pressure.
Nevertheless, the potential for further development is very high. If continuously improved, this biogas can become a household energy solution while reducing dependence on LPG. On a broader scale, the initiative also contributes to lowering fossil energy use and promoting renewable energy.
Amid the complexity of national-level energy transition policies and financing, the women of Taman Ayu have already begun this effort independently. Through awareness and collective work, they are driving changes in energy production and consumption patterns.
“We see the community’s creativity in utilizing biogas. It helps save expenses and has great potential for development. DEN will provide support and discuss it further with the ESDM Agency and Pertamina,” said DEN member Saleh Abdurrahman.
“Keep moving forward, Indonesian women,” he added, expressing appreciation for the initiative.
However, the story at Taman Ayu contrasts with the situation at Meninting Dam in Bukit Tinggi Village, which was visited the day before. The dam’s construction continues to leave negative impacts on some community members, especially women, particularly regarding access to clean water.
Instead of meeting water needs, many residents feel they have not received the expected benefits. This was voiced directly by the women during discussions at the visit.
“Most residents still don’t have enough water. We have this large dam that’s supposed to serve community needs, yet our village remains short of water. We hope the government will pay attention to this situation,” said one participant.
The dam is also planned for the development of a Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH). Yet until now, the issue of access to clean water remains an ongoing struggle voiced by the community.
The stories from these two locations reveal two faces of development: women can be the affected party, yet they can also become the driving force of change.
PWYP Indonesia’s visit, as part of this workshop series, offers an important lesson: the energy transition and infrastructure development must ensure meaningful participation, including women and vulnerable groups.
This is a crucial note for the government moving forward, so that every policy and development program is truly inclusive and equitable.
Author: Ariyansah NK
Reviewer: Mouna Wasef