GreenFaith Indonesia and the Push for a Just Energy Transition in West Java: Climate Justice as a Collective Responsibility

From a policy standpoint, Wulandari from the Initiative Association revealed that West Java's public budget for renewable energy is still minimal compared to revenues from fossil fuels. “Regional revenue from fossil fuels reaches Rp 2 trillion, while renewable energy contributes only 0.5% of the total local revenue,” said Wulandari. She emphasized that energy transition faces considerable funding and budget allocation challenges.

The West Java Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Agency has recorded that climate change threatens the province’s northern coastal areas, where around 700 hectares have been submerged due to rising sea levels. West Java’s regional regulations target a renewable energy share of 20% by 2025 and 28% by 2050, as outlined in Regional Regulation No. 2 of 2019.

On the ground, communities continue to fight for environmental justice. Maulida from the Bandung Legal Aid Institute (LBH) explained that they have been supporting communities in filing environmental permit lawsuits against coal power plants in Cirebon and Indramayu. LBH also actively raises public awareness through social media and campaigns on the dangers of coal plants and the importance of renewable energy.

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Ahab Sihabudin, a member of the West Java DPRD from the PKS faction, stressed that energy transition policies must be realized at the regional level, not only discussed at the national level. “The renewable energy potential in West Java reaches 200 gigawatts, and the central government needs to facilitate this transition,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Heri Ukasah from the Gerindra faction expressed his support for the energy transition efforts. “The DPRD is responsible for West Java's environmental well-being, so we must fully support this transition,” he added.

However, a key issue in this energy transition is the impact on regional revenue. Motor vehicle taxes are currently the largest source of local revenue. Transitioning to electric vehicles, which are not taxed, could reduce regional income, which must be considered going forward.

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Confronting these challenges, Fletcher from GreenFaith International emphasized the importance of cross-sector and cross-border collaboration. The fight against climate change requires technological innovation, social justice, and moral support from faith communities worldwide.

“Young people play a vital role in this struggle, and their awareness in caring for the Earth will be a powerful force for environmental sustainability,” he noted.

This journey is not an easy one, but GreenFaith and its community will continue to fuel hope. The spirit of solidarity and climate justice for all will serve as a strong foundation in the fight against climate change, aiming for a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.***