Jakarta—Energy transition is often focused on reducing carbon emissions or improving energy efficiency, but equity and inclusivity are often overlooked in policy planning. In fact, both aspects are important elements that must be considered in the energy transition, especially in a country like Indonesia that has social, economic, and geographical diversity.
Raditya Wiranegara, Research Manager at the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), underlined the importance of including equality and inclusivity in the energy transition discussion. According to him, this discussion needs to focus more on the elite and national levels, while the energy transition issue requires wider attention, especially at the sub-national level.
“Sub-national governments must start preparing their institutional capacity to face the challenges of the energy transition because policies at this level will determine how the transition is implemented equitably and inclusively. In addition, mapping alternative economic activities for local communities, especially those working in the informal sector whose existence is intertwined with industry, such as the mining industry, must be an integral part of energy transition planning,” said Raditya.
According to Raditya, in addition to reducing the use of fossil fuels, energy transition policies also need to consider mitigating socio-economic impacts for affected communities. For example, coal mine workers may lose their livelihoods due to reduced demand for coal along with reduced PLTU utilization. Given that the energy transition will affect all levels of society, both urban and rural, vulnerable groups such as women, people with disabilities, and the middle class should receive special attention in policymaking.
“These groups often feel the greater impact of policy changes without adequate protection. Therefore, energy transition policies need to include equality of access, both in employment opportunities, education, and the economic benefits of renewable energy,” Raditya said.
IESR’s analysis in the study ‘Navigating Just Energy Transition Together – Shared learnings from South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam’ found that inclusive steps that can be taken to involve all parties in the energy transition process include opening dialogue spaces from an early stage with various affected parties, as well as establishing tripartite councils involving government, employers, and workers to ensure a fair and equitable transition. Stakeholders from the private and philanthropic sectors also need to play an essential role in supporting investments and processes that encourage public participation in the transition.
“In facing the challenges of the energy transition, the seriousness and decisiveness of top leaders such as President Prabowo is needed. Without serious efforts from all parties, including the central and sub-national governments, the goal of an equitable energy transition, which includes narrowing social and economic disparities, will be difficult to achieve,” Raditya said.
The Indonesia Energy Transition Dialogue (IETD) 2024 event, which will take place on November 4-6, 2024, can be an important moment to discuss the direction of Indonesia’s energy transition policy so that it can provide renewable energy for the industrial sector. The theme of IETD 2024 is “Realising a Just and Directed Energy Transition.” Register at ietd.info to get involved in the IETD 2024 event.
This article is a collaborative partnership between tanahair.net and the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR).
Source:
https://iesr.or.id/mewujudkan-partisipasi-inklusif-dalam-transisi-energi/
https://iesr.or.id/infografis/menentukan-seberapa-inklusif-transisi-energi/
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