Jakarta – Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, in collaboration with Gema Alam NTB and LBH Apik NTB, held a bootcamp titled “Photographing Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition.” The event took place in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), over three days from April 28 to 30, 2025. It involved 45 participants from 32 organizations/institutions, comprising 30 women and 15 men.
The bootcamp aimed to enhance the understanding of women and vulnerable groups about energy transition developments at national and provincial levels, highlight women’s experiences and knowledge regarding community-based renewable energy initiatives, share stories of the impacts of renewable energy project development at the grassroots level, and strengthen networks and collaborations to promote a just and inclusive energy transition.
On the first day, participants shared experiences and discussed energy transition developments at the national level, in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). They explored how to build narratives for a just and inclusive energy transition, examined women’s experiences and knowledge related to renewable energy initiatives, and assessed the impacts of renewable energy development on vulnerable groups at the local level.
National and Regional Energy Transition Overview
Regarding the national energy transition, the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) have agreed on a new National Energy Policy (KEN). This will automatically lead to changes in the National Energy General Plan (RUEN), as RUEN is based on KEN. However, there has been criticism of the narrative surrounding new and renewable energy (EBT), which should prioritize renewable energy over “new” energy. The concept of “new” energy is seen as prolonging dependence on fossil fuels.
Mouna Wasef, Head of Research and Advocacy at PWYP Indonesia, who sparked the discussion on the first day, highlighted that various “false solutions” pose challenges to the energy transition. These make it difficult to move away from fossil fuel dependency and transition to renewable energy. Additionally, renewable energy development faces policy bias, funding, permitting processes, and infrastructure availability.
In the regional context, NTB is highly optimistic due to its abundant natural resources. Sumbawa and Lombok have potential energy sources for development, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, waste, wind, and solar. Five sectors are targeted for green energy development in NTB: housing, commercial, industrial, mining, and transportation.
NTT is equally optimistic. Its Regional Energy General Plan (RUED) emphasizes the role of renewable energy mixes. The local government envisions building a progressive and competitive NTT economy based on green and blue economies, alongside an inclusive, socio-culturally, and ecologically resilient energy transition. However, Lusia Carningsih Bunga from CIS Timor, who also contributed to the discussion, acknowledged challenges such as limited renewable energy infrastructure, insufficient regional regulations to promote renewable energy use, and high investment costs.
Field Experiences
On the second day, participants conducted field visits, divided into two groups. The first group observed the struggles and successes of a women’s movement in promoting the development of a solar water pump (SWP) in Pandan Indah Village, Central Lombok. The second group visited Buwun Sejati Village, West Lombok, to examine the impacts of a Micro-Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) development.
The SWP in Pandan Indah Village resulted from the efforts of women supported by Sekolah Setara. This women’s initiative saved the area from drought by converting sunlight into solar energy to power water pumps. This serves as evidence of women’s contributions to community-based energy transitions.
In contrast, Buwun Sejati faced different issues. The PLTMH development threatened the livelihoods of local communities. The water reservoir for the PLTMH posed risks, such as flooding and potential reservoir failure, to residents living nearby, with some homes located less than five meters from the reservoir. Women are among the most vulnerable groups affected.
These two visits taught that women can be agents of change in the energy sector while also being vulnerable to the impacts of development, including in the context of energy transitions. This underscores why energy transitions must be just and inclusive.
As the final outcome of the event, participants created works based on their field visits to the two locations, focusing on the theme of a just and inclusive energy transition. These works, in the form of journalistic products and social media content, are expected to serve as campaign tools to advocate for such a transition.
Author: Ariyansah N Kiliu
Reviewer: Mouna Wasef