Study on Polarisation and Development of Alternative Narratives in the Just Energy Transition in Indonesia

In the last two centuries, the consistent rise in global surface temperatures has become a global concern, prompting international collaboration to reduce the use of fossil fuels (dirty energy). Energy transition, which takes into account environmental and socio-economic impacts, has become a top priority for world leaders in these reduction efforts. In response to climate change and international pressure, countries, including Indonesia, have committed to transitioning from dirty energy to more sustainable energy sources. However, the prevalence of dirty energy still dominates the energy mix, partly due to the interests of energy oligarchs, and political subsidies and energy prices, as indicated by our study.

The Asia Research Centre, University of Indonesia (ARC UI), in collaboration with the Yayasan Indonesia Cerah (CERAH), conducted a study on the Polarisation and Development of Alternative Narratives on the Just Energy Transition in Indonesia. This study aims to examine how the polarisation of the energy transition issue unfolds on social media, particularly among non-elite groups, who constitute the majority of individuals impacted by dirty energy. We explore perceptions of energy transition issues and hope that the study’s findings can serve as a foundation for developing alternative narratives based on our summarised insights. Therefore, our focus is on the perceptions and positions of various stakeholders across sectors: private, government, civil society organisations, local communities, and journalists.

Read and download the report in English here.

Read and download the report in Indonesian here.