Jakarta, August 13, 2024 – Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, along with several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), held a meeting with Dina Nurul Fitria, a member of the National Energy Council (DEN) representing stakeholders, to discuss the Draft Government Regulation on National Energy Policy (RPP KEN) at the DEN Headquarters in South Jakarta. This meeting was prompted by the need to address several key points related to the RPP KEN before it is submitted to Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI). The CSO coalition included representatives from Forest Watch Indonesia (FWI), Indonesian Center for Environmental Law (ICEL), Koaksi Indonesia, WWF Indonesia, and the Indonesian Parliamentary Center (IPC).
The coalition criticized the RPP KEN for lacking ambition in reflecting the government’s commitment to limiting the global temperature increase to below 1.5°C. They argued that insufficient involvement of civil society in the policy-making process was a major reason for the inadequate consideration of critical public input. The RPP KEN was seen as still accommodating dirty energy and including false solutions under the guise of a just energy transition, posing serious threats to the environment amidst the climate crisis.
Dina Nurul Fitria explained the government’s perspective, emphasizing that one of DEN’s main tasks is to formulate national energy policies to achieve energy resilience. The government’s strategies include ensuring supply security and price affordability during the transition, enhancing energy conservation and efficiency, and minimizing the use of fossil fuels.
In response, the coalition highlighted four key issues that the RPP KEN must address: aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement, focusing on a just and climate-resilient transition, supporting fair energy source and technology choices, and promoting proactive and inclusive participation from key stakeholders. They also suggested enhancing the role of local governments and implementing community-based renewable energy initiatives.
The coalition also raised concerns about industry practices, such as biomass co-firing in coal-fired power plants and the intensification of land use through energy plantations, which pose significant environmental threats. These practices, especially if they utilize social forestry for biomass supply, could hinder renewable energy development and harm communities around power plants.
Moreover, the coalition emphasized the need for public participation to be adequately accommodated in the RPP KEN. They stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue to ensure that the RPP KEN supports a just energy transition, respects community rights, and incorporates gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) approaches. They hope these policies will benefit all parties, particularly vulnerable groups and local communities.
Finally, the coalition pointed out that achieving global net-zero emissions will largely depend on how effectively Indonesia, as one of the largest emitters, can implement progressive energy policies. According to Article 11 of Law Number 30 of 2007 on Energy, the RPP KEN covers national energy availability, energy development priorities, energy resource utilization, and energy reserves. DEN must proactively address energy issues holistically to align with climate commitments and support a more ambitious net-zero emissions transition for Indonesia.
Writer: Muhammad Adzkia Farirahman
Reviewer: Mouna Wasef