Mataram, February 24, 2025 – Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia once again held a discussion on the development of energy transition projects in Indonesia, particularly in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The discussion brought together civil society organizations, women’s groups, and academics to share insights on energy transition developments, from the global to the local level.
With the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Indonesia faces even greater challenges in fulfilling its commitment to reducing carbon emissions through climate resilience strategies. At the local level, communities are seeking clarity on how the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), previously led by the U.S., will be implemented. The seriousness of the Prabowo-Gibran administration in executing this energy transition also remains in question.
Civil society continues to advocate for justice to be prioritized in the energy transition process. The lack of clarity must not result in projects—whether already underway or still in the planning stages—failing to deliver tangible benefits to affected communities.
During the event, PWYP Indonesia discussed ways to develop a monitoring framework that ensures the perspectives of impacted communities and vulnerable groups in NTB are adequately represented. This framework is expected to accelerate the integration of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles into Indonesia’s energy transition projects.
PWYP Indonesia has collected data on several energy transition projects through the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), the Comprehensive Investment and Policy Plan (CIPP) JETP, and online news clippings. In NTB, a number of energy transition projects in the electricity sector have been developed, including hydro, wind, solar, and biomass energy. In terms of planning, the development of Micro Hydro Power Plants (PLTMH) dominates these projects. Additionally, the development of Biomass Power Plants (PLTBm) is particularly noteworthy, driven by the NTB provincial government’s ambition to build the largest PLTBm in Indonesia. These projects still need to be mapped and monitored as they progress. The hope is that communities can take early initiative, whether for projects already in operation or those still in the planning phase.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of developing a monitoring framework that incorporates a new perspective on defining benefits. For example, in the context of gender equality, the definition of benefits should not be limited to the domestic sphere but must also include direct benefits for women as individuals.
The usefulness of projects was a central topic in the discussion on planning the monitoring of renewable energy projects. The framework must be designed to ensure that energy transition projects genuinely address the daily needs of communities. While the central and local governments play crucial roles, local potential and needs must also be a primary consideration.
The monitoring framework is designed with fundamental principles, such as:
- Access to resources, education, and information;
- Participation and control in project development stages;
- Economic justice;
- Social and cultural protection;
- Complaint and remediation mechanisms.
PWYP Indonesia also discussed indicators that can be used in the framework. These indicators will align with project stages, from review and approval, planning, implementation, to monitoring and evaluation. Input from civil society is expected to represent the interests of local communities, including women and vulnerable groups. With this framework, PWYP Indonesia aims to ensure that energy transition projects are not only environmentally friendly but also fair and inclusive for all members of society.
Author: Muhammad Adzkia Farirahman
Reviewer: Mouna Wasef