Women are the most vulnerable group affected by energy activities, both at the exploration, production, and consumption stages. Limited access to energy has a direct impact on various aspects of women’s lives, from domestic tasks, health, and education to participation in productive economic activities. Therefore, energy issues must be viewed not only as technical or economic issues but also as gender justice issues that require an intersectional approach in their resolution. 

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Rumah Energi together with a number of stakeholders at the national and local levels held a Seminar and Discussion: Gender Justice and Social Inclusion in Energy Transition. This seminar aims to convey the results of the gender assessment, increase understanding of the principles of gender justice and social inclusion, and encourage cross-sector collaboration between local governments, industry, social organizations, and the community in realizing a just energy transition. In addition to stakeholders, this seminar was also attended by women representatives from Loji Village, Cidadap Village, Citarik Village, Jayanti Village, and Palabuhanratu Village. 

The activity was opened with remarks by the Executive Director of Rumah Energi Sumanda Tondang, who said that through the collaboration of the Ford Foundation, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), and Rumah Energi in the form of the Pro-Women 3 Project to realize the participation of Women and Communities, not only as beneficiaries but also as agents of change, especially in efforts for a just energy transition. Maryati Abdullah, representing the Ford Foundation, said that the Pro-Women 3 collaboration program was very good in empowering women, especially in areas that have energy resources such as Palabuhanratu.

Dameria Febriani Panjaitan a representative of the Ministry of Home Affairs Cooperation Center also said that as a national agenda, the energy transition that Indonesia is currently undertaking is one of the efforts to maintain energy security and realize a green economy in Indonesia. The energy transition also shows Indonesia’s commitment to expanding access to affordable and clean technology to encourage a sustainable and greener economic recovery. The government through the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has increased the target composition of New and Renewable Energy (EBET) in the energy mix to 23% in 2025 and 31% in 2050. Furthermore, it is hoped that this Seminar and Discussion Forum can strengthen cross-sector understanding of the principles of gender justice and social inclusion (GESI), as well as encourage collaboration in development planning that is more responsive to vulnerable groups, especially women,” she said. 

The Sukabumi Regency Government represented by Dece Nur Hardiansyah from the Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Service (DP3A) said that in essence gender mainstreaming is not just a program and activity, but a national development strategy that is needed to ensure that all levels of society are involved in the expected and implemented development process, so that it benefits everyone. 

“The gender development index has increased nationally, but in Sukabumi Regency there is still a large gap in economic, social, and cultural aspects between men and women, so the government continues to encourage awareness in the community through women’s empowerment activities such as Perahu Kertas or Pro-Women 3 later,” said Dece.  

In the seminar, PT PLN Indonesia Power-UBP Palabuhanratu represented by Robert David Carniago as one of the discussion speakers also conveyed how PLTU views women as one of the strategic actors in the electricity generation industry, both in operations, management, and economic empowerment of the surrounding community. How to remove the stigma that electricity can only be done by men, and provide access and opportunities for women to also be able to work. The existence of dual roles that hinder women’s opportunities is also one of the challenges. Efforts continue to be made through gender-based strategic planning programs and inclusive cultural changes. 

Project Manager Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Wicitra Diwasastri said that women’s participation is not only in the form of presence but also involvement in decision-making and control in the project area which also needs to be considered.

The activity continued with an interactive session involving participants, to explore more deeply how women’s strategic role in a just energy transition. This seminar provided a lot of knowledge and new awareness that can be a lesson for all stakeholders in the Palabuhanratu PLTU area. In addition, the existence of open opportunities and access is an opportunity to be utilized by the community in achieving regional development goals that have an impact on national progress. In line with the spirit of Indonesia Berdaya carried by Rumah Energi, the community and environment are the focal points in development that must be the focus in the process and goals to be achieved. 

Written by: Jenni Irene Connie (Advocacy Officer Rumah Energi) 

Edited by: Fauzan Ramadhan (Communication Manager Rumah Energi)