Indonesia's Energy Transition Challenges Highlighted in Documentary Screening

The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Jakarta, in collaboration with the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), hosted a documentary screening and public discussion in Jakarta focused on the complexities of Indonesia's energy transition. Titled "Energy Transition Amidst the Coal Siege," the event used the documentary "Pelita Asa" to explore the challenges and opportunities in achieving a just energy transition.

The discussion brought together various stakeholders, including government representatives, energy sector companies, civil society organizations, academics, and journalists. It aimed to foster dialogue on Indonesia's shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources while addressing the significant hurdles, particularly the nation's deep reliance on coal. A key concern is ensuring that communities historically dependent on the conventional energy sector are not left behind during this transformation.

The documentary "Pelita Asa" showcases the experiences of communities in Dusun Donomulyo, Kelurahan Manggar, and Desa Muara Enggelam in East Kalimantan. It illustrates issues of limited energy access, the impact of economic changes, and the hopes pinned on renewable energy, such as communal solar power plants (PLTS), as a viable alternative.

Martha Jesica Solomasi Mendrofa, Research Manager for Policy and Just Transition at IESR, pointed out that coal still constitutes 70-80% of Indonesia's national energy mix. Renewable energy's contribution remains low, around 11%. She argued that the dominance of coal is further reinforced by captive power plants supplying industrial energy needs. Mendrofa asserted that Indonesia's continued reliance on coal is not due to a lack of alternatives but a conscious choice influenced by a system, regulations, and tariff schemes that favor fossil fuels over renewables.

Mendrofa stressed that a just energy transition must acknowledge and rectify the long-standing injustices caused by fossil fuel use. It's not merely about switching energy sources but also about mitigating the social, economic, and environmental impacts borne by communities. She concluded that the transition requires a comprehensive national development policy, not just sector-specific energy policies, to address the multifaceted challenges ahead.

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Not that we don't have other options, but we choose coal. The system, regulations, and tariffs are very much in favor of coal.