Jakarta (May 20, 2025) – The Women’s Coalition for Energy Justice (WOMANS for JET), comprising organizations advocating for the rights of women and people with disabilities to promote gender justice in energy governance, along with civil society organizations Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia and the International NGO Forum on Indonesian Development (INFID), has issued several demands regarding the ongoing selection process for members of the National Energy Council (DEN).
The first stage of the DEN selection process began with a registration period of 15 days from May 9 to May 23, 2025. “This registration period is too short, effectively only nine working days, because May 10–13 were holidays. Yet, there are many requirements to fulfill. Moreover, information about the registration was not widely disseminated. Given the strategic role and duties of DEN, such a short registration period will limit public participation,” said Siti Khoirun Ni’mah, Executive Director of INFID.
DEN is a key institution overseeing energy policies, including ensuring a just energy transition in Indonesia. Under Law No. 30 of 2007 on Energy, Article 12, DEN is tasked with designing and formulating the National Energy Policy (KEN) for government approval with the consent of the House of Representatives (DPR), establishing the National Energy General Plan (RUEN), determining steps to address energy crises and emergencies, and overseeing the implementation of cross-sectoral energy policies.
Ni’mah further noted that the public is unaware of who is on the selection committee or screening panel for DEN members. The names and composition of the selection committee should be publicly disclosed, just like the registration information. According to Article 30 of Presidential Regulation No. 26 of 2008 on the Establishment of the National Energy Council and Procedures for Screening Prospective Members, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), as the Daily Chairperson of DEN, forms the screening committee, chaired directly by the Minister.
“The selection process for DEN members must be conducted transparently,” Ni’mah emphasized.
“The public must be involved in overseeing this selection process. Given DEN’s critical role and duties, the public has the right to know who is part of the screening committee formed by the Minister of ESDM. The process should not proceed while the screening committee remains unknown,” she added.
Inclusive Selection of DEN Members
The WOMANS for JET coalition also urged that the selection process for DEN members from stakeholder groups prioritize inclusivity and non-discrimination. This is essential to ensure that all societal groups, including women, people with disabilities, and vulnerable communities, can benefit from national energy policies.
According to the Energy Law, DEN members from stakeholder groups (APK), selected by the DPR, consist of eight individuals from academia, industry, technology, environmental sectors, and consumers.
“The selection of DEN members, from the screening committee to the DPR, must ensure non-discrimination and inclusivity, accommodating the interests of women and vulnerable groups, rather than perpetuating the notion that the energy sector is a male domain. Women are often sidelined in energy sector discussions, despite having significant roles and being the most impacted. The state is obligated to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, as mandated by CEDAW, ratified through Law No. 7 of 1984. Therefore, there must be an affirmative quota of 30% women, or at least two out of the eight APK DEN members,” explained Khotimun Sutanti, Daily Coordinator of the Association of LBH APIK Indonesia.
This strategic step is believed to enhance the quality of national policies. By directly involving women and strengthening their perspectives at the policymaking level through a 30% affirmative quota, energy policies can address issues and challenges arising from gender discrimination in the energy sector. Research by Esther Duflo (2004) demonstrates a correlation between increased women’s participation in decision-making and the likelihood of adopting policies that incorporate women’s perspectives.
In addition to women’s representation, WOMANS for JET also highlighted concerns about age restrictions. The most important factor is that DEN members must have adequate environmental and sustainability knowledge. Age limits could undermine the substantive capacity of DEN members. Young people are key stakeholders in the future and must be meaningfully involved in decision-making, especially in the energy sector.
“Age should not be a barrier as long as the individual has the necessary capacity. Even the Vice Chairperson of DEN—the Vice President—is under 40 years old,” said Mouna, a researcher at PWYP Indonesia.
Contact Persons:
- Khotimun Sutanti, Association of LBH APIK Indonesia (email: khotimuns@gmail.com)
- Siti Khoirun Ni’mah, INFID (email: snimah@infid.org)
- Mouna Wasef, PWYP Indonesia (email: mouna@pwypindonesia.org)
Members of the WOMANS for JET Coalition:
- Association of LBH APIK Indonesia
- Association of Women’s Micro and Small Business Assistance (ASPPUK)
- Fatayat NU
- Federation of PEKKA Unions
- Gema Alam NTB
- Indonesian Women with Disabilities Association (HWDI)
- Kalyanamitra
- Indonesian Women’s Coalition (KPI)
- Aisyiyah Environmental and Disaster Management Institute (LLHPB)
- Women’s Learning Circle (LIBU Perempuan)
- Penabulu
- Strengthening Local Community Learning Circles (PIKUL) NTT
- Prakarsa
- Women’s Resource Development Center (PPSW)
- PWYP Indonesia
- Synergy for Indonesian Research-Education (SRI) Institute
- Women’s Solidarity
- Women’s Empowerment Foundation for Female Heads of Households (PEKKA)