Jakarta, 13 August 2024 – Amid the weakening political commitment of the Indonesian government towards energy transition and climate action, Climate Rangers, together with 350 Indonesia, have launched the [RE]Solution campaign. This campaign advocates for community-based renewable energy as a solution for Indonesia’s energy transition. Indonesia has a renewable energy potential of 3.686 gigawatts, yet only 12.7 gigawatts have been utilized. Additionally, community-based renewable energy can boost local economies.

“Research by Celios and 350.org shows that financing community-based renewable energy can contribute up to IDR 745 trillion per year to GDP. The government needs to consider this approach, which is not only environmentally friendly but also empowers local communities, instead of continuing to push extractive industries like coal mining that damage the environment and climate,” said Ginanjar Ariyasuta, Coordinator of Climate Rangers Jakarta. “Research by Celios and 350.org shows that financing community-based renewable energy can contribute up to IDR 745 trillion per year to GDP,” he said.

According to Ginanjar in Yogyakarta and Bali, Climate Rangers are encouraging tourist villages to become pioneers in energy transition. “Integrating the tourism sector with community-based renewable energy is a strategic step to ensure the sustainability of tourist destinations in Indonesia. This step not only strengthens Indonesia’s image in energy transition efforts but also reaffirms the commitment to empowering local communities,” he said.

By moving away from fossil fuels, Indonesian tourism can become greener and more sustainable, supporting a cleaner and more environmentally friendly economy. Arami Kasih, Coordinator of Climate Rangers Jogja explained. “Yogyakarta and Bali alone have a total of 462 tourist villages rich in renewable energy potential; this must be utilized. Green tourism will undoubtedly add significant value to the face of Indonesian tourism, which can attract global tourists in an increasingly competitive global tourism climate,” Arami said.

“Yogyakarta and Bali alone have a total of 462 tourist villages rich in renewable energy potential; this must be utilized. Green tourism will undoubtedly add significant value to the face of Indonesian tourism, which can attract global tourists in an increasingly competitive global tourism climate,” she added.

In Cirebon and North Sumatra, Climate Rangers are promoting energy transition in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren). According to data from the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2022, there are more than 39,000 pesantren in Indonesia, 700 of which are in Cirebon. “The Indonesian Ulema Council’s (MUI) Fatwa No. 86 of 2023 instructs Muslims to strive to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy to preserve the environment. Promoting pesantren as role models in renewable energy transition is a strategic step to show that Islamic values align with environmental preservation,” said Tubagus Asad Muhajir, Coordinator of Climate Rangers Cirebon. “Promoting pesantren as role models in renewable energy transition is a strategic step to show that Islamic values align with environmental preservation,” he added.

Tubagus mentioned in Jakarta, Climate Rangers are pushing for energy transition in the transportation sector by replacing the Transjakarta fleet with solar-powered buses. As the economic center of Indonesia, Jakarta deserves to be at the forefront of energy transition ambitions. Moreover, Jakarta has a climate commitment of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 with a regional renewable energy mix target of 45% by 2030.

“Jakarta, as the largest contributor to emissions in Indonesia, should make greater efforts in energy transition. A single solar-powered bus has the potential to reduce approximately 3-9 tons of carbon emissions and increase the renewable energy mix by 1-2 MW per year. This can contribute to achieving the solar power target in DKI Jakarta Province of 200 MW by 2050,” explained Fadilla Miftahul, Climate Rangers Jakarta. “Jakarta, as the largest contributor to emissions in Indonesia, should make greater efforts in energy transition,” she added.

“Currently, the government is struggling to meet renewable energy mix targets, as indicated by the reduction of the renewable energy mix target from 23% to 17-19%. Specifically, in the electricity sector, the government could allow greater public participation in generating electricity from renewable energy. This youth initiative is a push for the government to maintain ambitious energy transition targets by opening up public participation to achieve these targets,” emphasized Suriadi Darmoko, Field Organizer of 350 Indonesia. Moko added, “This community-based renewable energy initiative needs support through both regulation and funding.”

“This youth initiative is a push for the government to maintain ambitious energy transition targets by opening up public participation to achieve these targets. This community-based renewable energy initiative needs support through both regulation and funding,” he added.

With the launch of the [RE]Solution campaign, Climate Rangers and 350 Indonesia emphasize the importance of community-based renewable energy in Indonesia’s energy transition journey. This campaign not only aims to harness Indonesia’s vast renewable energy potential but also to empower local communities and support regional economies. With strong government support, appropriate regulations, and adequate funding, this initiative can be a significant step toward achieving more ambitious energy transition targets.

Media Contact:

Ginanjar Ariyasuta, Climate Rangers Jakarta,
+62851-5656-8359, gariyasuta@gmail.com

Suriadi Darmoko, 350.org,
+62857-3743-9019, suriadi.darmoko@350.org