As Indonesia moves toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, one important question must remain at the center of the conversation: who gets to take part in shaping this transition?
This question matters because the energy transition is not only about technology, infrastructure, or emission reduction targets. At the community level, it is also about everyday life, women’s leadership, the participation of marginalized groups, and the ability of local communities to influence development processes that affect them directly.
This spirit was reflected in a coordination meeting between Gerakan Masyarakat Cinta Alam (Gema Alam) and the West Lombok District Government, held on Monday, 5 February 2024, at the Bappeda Office Hall in West Lombok.
The meeting served as a shared space to review program progress, strengthen coordination, and identify how civil society initiatives can align with local government development priorities. It was attended by Gema Alam Chairperson Haiziah Gazali, representatives of the West Lombok District Government, heads of local government agencies, and other invited participants.
During the meeting, Haiziah Gazali explained that the WE for JET program aims to build the leadership of women and marginalized groups in a just energy transition. The program does not only promote understanding of clean energy. It also opens space for groups that are often left out of decision-making processes.
“We are working with Oxfam, with support from DFAT Australian Aid, to implement the program in East Lombok, Central Lombok, and West Lombok. In West Lombok, the program has been running for six months and is being implemented in two villages, Taman Ayu Village and Dasan Geria Village,” Haiziah said.
In West Lombok, the presence of WE for JET is part of a broader effort to strengthen community capacity, particularly among women and marginalized groups, so they can participate more actively in village development and energy transition issues. Through the mentoring process, communities are encouraged to see energy not merely as a technical issue, but also as a matter of social justice, shared roles, access to resources, and environmental sustainability.
The coordination meeting also provided an opportunity to map the program’s contribution and its intersection with local government programs and other stakeholder initiatives. This is important to ensure that efforts growing at the village level can connect with wider development planning in West Lombok.
Representing the West Lombok District Government, Bappeda expressed appreciation for the implementation of the WE for JET program by Gema Alam. The local government also conveyed its support for activities that have been carried out in Taman Ayu Village and Dasan Geria Village, with the hope that the program can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development in West Lombok.
The collaboration between Gema Alam and the West Lombok District Government shows that a just energy transition requires collective action. Government, civil society organizations, communities, and village residents all have important roles to play in ensuring that the shift toward clean energy leaves no one behind.
From this coordination space, one key message is reaffirmed: women and marginalized groups are not merely beneficiaries of development. They are important actors who can lead change, strengthen community resilience, and help shape a fairer energy future for all.
Adapted from the article “Gema Alam dan Pemkab Lobar Kolaborasi Bangun Kepemimpinan Perempuan dan Kelompok Rentan” published on the Official Channel of the West Lombok District Government. Available at: https://lombokbaratkab.go.id/gema-alam-dan-pemkab-lobar-kolaborasi-bangun-kepemimpinan-perempuan-dan-kelompok-rentan/
