Social Dimensions of Just Transitions from Coal

The main output of this work was a report that comprised the following four components focusing on specific themes. 

The institutional and political economy analysis of coal transition in Indonesia: This component provided a comprehensive analysis of the history and context of decarbonisation of the energy sector, particularly through coal phase-out in Indonesia, drawing on a desk review and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. It discussed the political economy of coal transitions, deepened the understanding of key political and institutional constraints to realising just transitions in Indonesia’s energy sector, and provided a mapping of stakeholders at the national and sub-national levels. It identified stakeholder interests, incentives, and influences, as well as how these had been shaped by country or sector dynamics over time. This analysis also drew on the findings of the qualitative work, particularly to analyse drivers, goals, and concerns of local-level stakeholders including local governments, communities, community-based associations, civil society organisations, etc. 

History of and perceptions about the concept of just transition: The second component of the research examined how coal transition efforts addressed just transition considerations in Indonesia. The analysis discussed what the concept of a “just transition” meant for Indonesia’s energy sector and tracked the history and practice of just transition efforts. It examined different and changing understandings of and attitudes towards just transitions for stakeholder groups, which were captured through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders as well as media analysis. It particularly focused on the perceptions and attitudes of local-level government officials, and other governmental and non-governmental stakeholders (e.g., unions, coal extraction and power groups, CSOs, NGOs, universities and policy groups, etc.). Based on qualitative research in selected localities, it focused on perceptions of different social groups living in coal regions about transitions and future climate risks, including cultural perspectives encapsulating a wide range of sentiments including grief and trauma, and their capabilities to engage and incorporate their views and priorities in transition policies, planning, and decision-making processes. It also analysed influences of cultural institutions, incentives, and drivers of decision-making processes for ensuring a Just Transitions for All. 

Identifying social impacts of coal transition: The third component of the research analysed and identified key social considerations to consider during the process of transition in coal regions of Indonesia. It discussed how local communities were likely to be affected, drawing on a desk review and qualitative data collection in selected regions. It provided a granular overview of potential impacts, particularly for marginalised and excluded groups, and identified potential drivers of vulnerability of social groups that were impacted by the transition. The analysis focused on social impacts of changes in access to jobs, livelihood systems, infrastructure and public services, energy affordability, and displacement and out-migration. It also highlighted the complex cultural politics of the coal industry which shaped social identities and behaviours and discussed inequalities in extractive, power generation and decision-making arenas. It discussed the effects of transitions on social identities and the fabric of communities. It also provided recommendations to address potential barriers marginalised groups could experience in accessing opportunities emerging from planned transitions. The analysis also discussed how the transitions could open up opportunities to transform social relations and deeply embedded inequalities. 

Engaging with citizens and identifying innovations for community-led just transition initiatives: Drawing on the findings of previous sections, the last component of the research reviewed existing interventions and innovations to promote community engagement for just and inclusive transition planning as well as improved local adaptation and social resilience. It focused on identifying locally sensitive mechanisms to communicate and engage with communities to enable their participation in transition planning and decision-making and to foster social dialogue around just transition. It proposed a communication and engagement strategy with communities and relevant stakeholders and provided recommendations with respect to different platforms that could be used to enable inclusive and effective participation of citizens in transition planning and decision-making, including mechanisms such as community platforms, subnational and national consultation platforms, or interactive digital platforms. It highlighted how these mechanisms could be inclusive and empower and include women and/or other marginalised groups during transition planning and decision-making processes. The research also identified innovative bottom-up, community-led mechanisms to support different groups, which reflected their specific needs and priorities during the transition, including through direct grant mechanisms. The component focused on the design of these mechanisms that could be piloted in select localities.  

 

This work is part of the Social Dimensions of Climate Change in Indonesia (2023) publication.