The Aporia of Energy Transition – Between Gains and Pains

Since the Kyoto Protocol, the world has been abuzz with the theme of energy transition as a key strategy to tackle the climate crisis. Yet in Indonesia, energy transition projects have at times caused environmental damage, deepening the climate crisis and creating new social burdens for local communities. Why is this happening – and what should be done differently?

In the very first episode of Talks4Change, we explore the global logic of energy transition and its practice in Indonesia, drawing on insights from the book “Energy – The Governance of Extractive Politics” (Energi – Kepengaturan Politik Ekstraktif) by researcher and author Be’n Habib (Sajogyo Institute).

We discuss questions such as:

• Why is the energy transition in Indonesia creating new inequalities and ecological crises?
• What role does private capital play in financing – and what risks does it create?
• Who is the energy really produced for – the people, or the demands of industry?
• What is actually happening: an energy transition, or rather an energy business transition supported by technologies that conquer the limits of time and nature?
• What should be done to realize an energy transition that is truly just, both socially and environmentally?

What becomes clear is this: an energy transition alone is not enough. Real change demands transformation — energy production rooted in social justice and ecological care, a shift away from industry’s endless consumption, and a fairer distribution of power. This also means advancing agrarian reform that gives local communities control over resources, and developing financing models that move beyond debt to support local initiatives.

Tune in and join the discussion: Where does “transition” end – and where does real transformation begin?

Moderation: Ahmad Ashov Birry

Talks4Change is part of the project “Energy Transition and Climate Partnerships – Civil Society Perspectives and Approaches to Social and Global Justice Using the Example of Indonesia”

Imprint

The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Watch Indonesia! e.V.; the positions presented here do not necessarily reflect the views of Engagement Global gGmbH or the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).