Talking about the climate crisis is not just about environmental issues; it is also about social justice. Energy needs sometimes only often benefit urban communities, while those from remote villages in Indonesia to indigenous communities and other vulnerable groups, those who have been the least in contributing emissions, are the most affected. One form of inequality is rural communities’ access to clean, affordable, and equitable energy.
As part of the series towards the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Indonesia 2025, Enter Nusantara, through Reka Maharwati as the coordinator of Enter Nusantara, had the opportunity to be a guest speaker at Unmute the Climate #1: Webinar Series organized by Climate Rangers Jakarta on June 25, 2025. With the theme “Power to People: Community-Based Renewable Energy for Climate Action,” this discussion is very important about the potential of community-based renewable energy (CBRE) as a solution to the climate crisis as well as energy inequality in Indonesia, especially in rural areas.
So far, Indonesia has great potential in renewable energy: solar, wind, water, and bioenergy are spread across the archipelago. Unfortunately, its management and utilization are still far from optimal. Our energy system is still centralized, and there are still many other areas, especially in remote villages, that still do not enjoy proper electricity supply.
For Enter Nusantara through the ‘Sedekah Energi’ program in several areas. Residents who previously struggled with proper electricity can now receive benefits in the form of electricity cost savings, better lighting, and the availability of clean energy for various activities, one of which is activities at the mosque for community worship. Thanks to the initiative of the community-based energy alms program, now residents in rural areas such as the Banyuresmi community, Garut, can receive clean and environmentally friendly electricity services.
In addition, in this discussion, Enter Nusantara raised the important role of young people in the CBRE project. From initiators and facilitators to liaisons between communities and policymakers, young people have the capacity and passion to break the status quo. A just energy transition cannot only be discussed in conference rooms; it must be born from ideas with the community and must be done by all elements of society, especially vulnerable communities.
In this discussion, Enter Nusantara emphasized that through the CBRE approach, we are not only talking about emissions, but also empowerment. Energy must be emphasized to create social justice, improve education levels, expand economic access, and build climate resilience in favor of those who have been marginalized.
The LCOY Indonesia 2025 series through Unmute the Climate is not just a matter of ordinary discussion forums, but this forum must become a space for action and joint reflection to build clean energy security. In the midst of the tight global climate negotiations towards COP30, the voices of young people and local communities must be heard and meaningfully involved.
This discussion is one of a series to pave the way towards the preparation of the main agenda, namely the National Children and Youth Statement from 38 provinces, which will be brought to COY20 and COP30. Enter Nusantara has always believed that if the energy transition is to be fair and sustainable, then it is time for the power to be returned to the hands of the people. Power to the People.
