Jakarta, 22 May 2025: The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Secretariat convened a consultation with Indonesian civil society organizations (CSOs) to discuss recent developments in the country’s energy transition process and the vital role of CSOs in overseeing and monitoring renewable energy development at the regional level. Organized by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), this marks the first major consultation since the launch of the Comprehensive Investment and Policy Plan (CIPP) I, providing an opportunity to share updates, address implementation challenges, and foster collaboration.

The Head of JETP Secretariat, Paul Butarbutar, emphasized that at the heart of a just energy transition is the well-being of people and communities. He underscored the importance of ensuring that local voices are heard, particularly in regions where energy projects intersect with community livelihoods.

“Reflecting on past experiences, constructive engagement with CSOs has led to improved outcomes in environmental and social assessments. More regular dialogues to strengthen collaboration are needed while ensuring that the principles of justice and equity remain integral throughout the transition process,” he said.

Held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the forum brought together around 30 civil society organizations (CSOs) and think tanks, including Coaction, the Indonesia Research Institute for Decarbonization (IRID), Tenggara Strategics, and Trend Asia. A key issue raised during the discussion was the recent withdrawal of the United States government from the JETP initiative.

Elrika Hamid, Deputy Head of the JETP Secretariat, provided an overview of the current financing landscape. She clarified that although the U.S. government is no longer officially branding its support under the JETP framework, existing financial commitments remain accessible through institutions such as the World Bank.

She emphasized that many funding channels require projects to be bankable and implementation-ready—challenges that are not exclusive to Indonesia, but are shaped by factors including procurement processes and regulatory constraints.

“Grants and policy-based lending can play a valuable role in closing early-stage gaps and enabling progress,” Elrika noted.

CSO participants also shared reflections on the importance of strengthening knowledge-sharing mechanisms and community engagement. They noted that further efforts could help ensure that information reaches stakeholders at the local level, including those who may be unfamiliar with energy transition discourse. Suggestions were also raised around improving accessibility to grievance mechanisms and clarifying reporting pathways.

The discussion acknowledged that the concept of "just transition" continues to evolve and may take different forms across countries. Many participants expressed the hope that Indonesia could gradually develop its own nationally relevant interpretation—one that reflects its unique social and regional contexts. While recognizing the vital support of international partners, CSOs also emphasized the value of enabling stronger local participation in both dialogue and implementation.

The forum concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration, with participants expressing optimism that multi-stakeholder engagement will help ensure that Indonesia’s transition to a low-carbon economy is not only ambitious but also inclusive and equitable.