Jakarta – Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, in collaboration with Gema Alam NTB and LBH Apik NTB, organized a bootcamp titled “Capturing the Face of Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition.” The event was held in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), from April 28 to 30, 2025. It brought together 45 participants from 32 organizations, comprising 30 women and 15 men.
The bootcamp aimed to deepen the understanding of women and vulnerable groups on the ongoing energy transition at both national and provincial levels. It highlighted women’s experiences and knowledge in community-based renewable energy initiatives, shared stories about the impacts of renewable energy projects on local communities, and strengthened networks and collaboration to promote a just and inclusive energy transition.
Day 1: Understanding the Landscape of Energy Transition
On the first day, participants exchanged experiences and discussed the progress of energy transition in Indonesia, particularly in NTB and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). They explored how to build narratives that support a just and inclusive energy transition, shared women’s experiences in renewable energy initiatives, and reflected on the impact of renewable energy development on vulnerable communities at the grassroots level.
Snapshots of the National and Local Energy Transition
At the national level, the government and parliament have recently approved the new National Energy Policy (KEN), which will automatically lead to revisions of the National Energy Plan (RUEN), as RUEN is based on KEN. Alongside this development, critiques have emerged regarding the “new and renewable energy” (EBT) narrative, which many argue should place greater emphasis on renewable energy rather than new energy, as the latter may prolong reliance on fossil fuels.
Mouna Wasef, Head of Research and Advocacy at PWYP Indonesia, who opened the discussion, pointed out that various “false solutions” pose major obstacles to a genuine energy transition. These include continued fossil fuel dependence and a lack of support for renewable alternatives. She emphasized that key challenges in renewable energy development include weak policy support, limited funding, complex permitting processes, and insufficient infrastructure.
At the regional level, NTB remains optimistic, given its abundant natural resources. The provinces of Sumbawa and Lombok have strong potential for developing bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, waste-to-energy, wind, and solar power. The NTB government is focusing on five key sectors for green energy development: residential, commercial, industrial, mining, and transportation.
NTT shares NTB’s optimism. The province’s Regional Energy Plan (RUED) emphasizes the role of renewable energy in the energy mix. The local government has a vision of building a green and blue economy that is competitive and inclusive, and that supports a socially and ecologically resilient energy transition. However, as noted by Lusia Carningsih Bunga of CIS Timor, who also spoke during the session, NTT still faces key hurdles including limited renewable energy infrastructure, a lack of regional regulations supporting renewable energy use, and high investment costs.
Field Visits: Learning from the Ground
On the second day, participants split into two groups for field visits. The first group observed the struggle and success of women 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 impact of a micro-hydro power plant (PLTMH) project.
The SWP in Pandan Indah was initiated by a local women’s group trained by Sekolah Setara. Their initiative saved the area from prolonged drought by harnessing solar power to pump water, demonstrating women’s vital role in community-driven energy transition efforts.
In contrast, the situation in Buwun Sejati raised concerns. The construction of the PLTMH posed risks to local residents, especially those living within five meters of the water reservoir. These risks include potential flooding or collapse of the reservoir, threatening the safety of nearby households. Women, in particular, were identified as one of the most vulnerable groups in this context.
These field visits reinforced the message that women are both agents of change and among the most affected by development, including within the energy transition. Their experiences underscore the need for a just and inclusive approach to transitioning energy systems.
Final Outputs: Storytelling for Change
As a final product of the bootcamp, participants created stories and media content based on their field visits, focusing on the theme of a just and inclusive energy transition. These outputs—ranging from journalistic articles to social media content—are expected to serve as tools for advocacy and public engagement, helping to push forward the agenda for a fair and equitable energy transition in Indonesia.