Civil society groups and community members held a symbolic demonstration to monitor the selection process for members of the National Energy Council (DEN) at the Hotel Indonesia (HI) roundabout in Jakarta on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Mouna Wasef, the protest spokesperson and Head of Research and Advocacy at Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, stated that the action was part of a broader civil society campaign to ensure that the DEN selection process is conducted transparently and inclusively.
“We want DEN members who are capable of addressing the challenges of a just energy transition and supporting policies that align with the global shift toward sustainable energy,” said Mouna on Sunday (June 22).
The peaceful protest brought forward five key demands, outlined as follows:
- Commitment to a Just Energy Transition
DEN candidates from stakeholder groups (APK) must be committed to supporting a just energy transition, not those who remain reliant on fossil fuels.
According to Mouna, this is essential to align Indonesia’s national energy policies with global goals, such as achieving net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2060, while ensuring a fair transition.
“Candidates who support this transition must prioritize clean energy access for remote communities and vulnerable groups, promote low-carbon technology innovation, and ensure inclusive handling of social and economic impacts — such as the relocation of fossil fuel workers,” Mouna stressed. - A Selection Process Free of Conflicts of Interest
The selection process must be independent of political affiliations and corporate interests. This is to ensure that DEN members can make decisions independently and serve the public interest. - A Progressive Vision for the Energy Transition
DEN members must possess a strong commitment to addressing the complex challenges of a just energy transition and the climate crisis especially in a country like Indonesia that still relies heavily on fossil fuels.
Mouna pointed out that Indonesia’s renewable energy share stood at just 14.1% in 2024.
“This is far below the 23% target set for 2025, which has now been revised down to just 17–19%,” she noted.
Because of this, Mouna emphasized the need for DEN figures with a progressive vision to accelerate a fair energy transition. - Representation of Women
All groups involved in the action called for inclusivity in the selection process.
DEN member selection must ensure the interests of women and vulnerable groups are adequately represented. As such, a 30% gender quota for stakeholder members is crucial that means at least 3 out of 8 stakeholder representatives should be women. - Transparency and Public Participation
Mouna highlighted that the DEN selection process must be transparent, accountable, and open to public input.
“Just as important, the Selection Committee and the House of Representatives (DPR) must ensure the process is transparent and includes opportunities for public participation,” she said.
As background, the National Energy Council (DEN) is responsible for formulating and overseeing the implementation of the National Energy Policy (KEN), establishing the National Energy General Plan (RUEN), and taking measures during energy crises or emergencies.
For the 2026–2030 term, eight stakeholder members will be selected, representing academia, industry, technology, environmental, and consumer sectors. According to Article 13 of the Energy Law, these members will be appointed by the House of Representatives (DPR).Source:Kontan