Public Engagement in Micro-hydro Technology in Central Java: A Call to Decentralize the Energy System

Abstract

This article explores how the public might actively participate in renewable energy projects by studying the role of local and credentialed experts in the development of micro-hydro technology for self-supply (off-grid electrification) or commercialization (on-grid electrification) in Central Java, Indonesia. All of the data were gathered qualitatively, including semi-structured interviews with local experts and energy experts, as well as interviews with local entrepreneurs, private companies, government agencies, end users, and civil society groups. Other methods included document analysis, observations, and site visits. The research found that credentialed and local experts have distinct sets of expertise and roles that complement one another. This challenges the “deficit” model of public understanding of science, which often claims that energy projects fail due to a lack of policy-relevant knowledge. The expertise of locals, their financial situation, and their geographic location are all considered to be linked with the design of micro-hydro technology, which is most typically run-of-river. While micro-hydro design is often related to “decentralization,” standardized expertise has emerged as a critical impediment to alternative energy commercialization. This article concludes that public participation, supported by decentralized policies, is required to drive future growth and maintain the long-term viability of micro-hydro technology.

Keywords:

• Public engagement
• decentralization
• Indonesia
• micro-hydro technology
• alternative energy

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was financed by the Takagi Fund for Citizen Science (grant number 203-008), and some of the material was created as a part of the Climate Compatible Growth program, which is funded by UK government aid. However, the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the UK government's official policies.

Notes on contributors

Pratama Yudha Pradheksa

Pratama Yudha Pradheksa is a second-year doctoral student in the Science and Technology Studies (STS) Department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Putri Cahya Arimbi

Putri Cahya Arimbi is an undergraduate student in International Relations at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

Dian Tamitiadini

Dian Tamitiadini is a lecturer at Universitas Brawijaya's Department of Communication Science with a focus on disaster and environmental communication studies. She earned a Master's in Communication Science from Universitas Indonesia. She also took part in community-based disaster management courses in Hyderabad, India's National Institute of Rural Development.