Just transition in biofuel development towards low-carbon economy: Multi-actor perspectives on policies and practices in Indonesia

Journal article


Djatmika, P., Listiningrum, P., Sumarno, B., Mahira, D. F. and Sianipar, C. P. M. 2023. Just transition in biofuel development towards low-carbon economy: Multi-actor perspectives on policies and practices in Indonesia. Energies. 17 (1), p. 141. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010141
AuthorsDjatmika, P., Listiningrum, P., Sumarno, B., Mahira, D. F. and Sianipar, C. P. M.
Abstract

Justice and sustainability are the foundation of fair and equitable biofuel development. Policies and practices are consequently necessary to support a just transition towards a low-carbon economy. Therefore, this study aimed to understand multi-actor perspectives on policies and practices relevant to the just transition in biofuel development. Applying a socio-legal approach based on the JUST framework, this study focused on the Indonesian biofuel industry, which is primarily driven by crude palm oil (CPO) production. This study also added comparative perspectives from Thailand’s biofuel industry. The primary data were gathered from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), while the secondary data were from research, policy, and other government archives. Based on the results, oil palm plantations in Indonesia and Thailand are crucial for macroeconomic development. However, smallholder farmers in Indonesia, especially independent ones that do not join farmer groups, remain marginalised by the current regulations. In fact, many benefits from biofuel practices and policies accumulate disproportionately towards large corporations, while marginalised groups bear the costs. The Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification that should induce market accessibility and competitiveness has not fully reached most rural farmers. Furthermore, various overlapping regulations and perplexing data differences exist from multiple ministries and administrative levels. Thus, palm oil stakeholders in Indonesia demand a dedicated institution for integrated regulation and monitoring of the industry, similar to the National Palm Oil Policy Committee in Thailand. The myriad of legal, political, socio-economic, and justice issues thus necessitates all hands on deck to ensure a just transition for all stakeholders of the Indonesian biofuel industry.

KeywordsEnergy transition; Energy policy; Renewable energy; Energy justice; Socio-legal analysis; Multi-actor systems; Rural development; Energy sustainability; Bioenergy; Fairness and equity
Year2023
JournalEnergies
Journal citation17 (1), p. 141
PublisherMDPI
ISSN1996-1073
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010141
Official URLhttps://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/1/141
Publication dates
Print27 Dec 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted23 Dec 2023
Deposited08 Apr 2024
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
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