Indonesian Politicians Fail to Understand Climate Policy Elements: Research

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Research conducted by Cerah, a non-profit organization working to advance energy transition policy in Indonesia found that nearly all politicians and political parties in Indonesia failed to understand the importance of several elements in climate and energy transition policy in Indonesia. For example, manpower, indigenous people, gender, disability, social inclusion, and grassroots society.

In research published today, Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Cerah highlighted that nearly all political parties have spoken up about energy transition and climate change during the 2019 to 2023 period. However, it does not equal the number of policies and written programs intended to be a guideline for their members.

Cerah observed online mass media for a data set in the form of news published over the last three years from the top 10 online mass media with the highest number of audience. The organization gathered data on the positions taken by political parties and politicians in regard to climate change and renewable energy transition. "Oftentimes, the politicians propose a policy without any follow-up," the research wrote.

According to the research, only two political parties have specific platforms to engage with environmental issues, namely PAN and PKS. Outside of those parties, PKB chose to conduct discussions on the issue while Nasdem and PDIP chose to hold tree or mangrove planting programs.

Political parties tend to bring up several issues in energy transition, such as electric vehicles, the New Renewable Energy Bill, and to national new renewable energy target. However, political parties have not reached a consensus on the definition of "fair" in fair energy transition.

Cerah in its research recommended that political parties ought to establish a specific climate change and energy transition platform and involve the public in drafting energy transition policies as well as prioritize researcher findings and recommendations. 

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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