ANALYSIS OF BARRIERS AND PROTECTION POLICY PRACTICES FOR WOMEN WORKERS IN THE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SECTOR

Maya Ryandita (Geothermal Resource Risk Mitigation Project, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur and Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Indonesia)
Erica Angelina (Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya)

EGALITA
Vol 21, No 1 (2026): June (In Press)

Abstract Geothermal development in Indonesia has become an important part of the transition toward sustainable energy. However, the sector still faces challenges related to gender equality and the protection of female workers. This study aims to analyze the barriers faced by female workers and the protection policies implemented within the geothermal sector. The study employs a qualitative literature review approach through the analysis of academic articles, institutional reports, and related publications using a literature synthesis matrix table. The findings show that female workers continue to face masculine workplace cultures, limited gender-responsive policies, low representation, and dual domestic burdens. Several companies have implemented mentoring programs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies, gender awareness training, and anti-harassment policies to support a more inclusive work environment. However, the implementation of these policies remains uneven, and empirical evaluations of their effectiveness are still limited. Conceptually, the protection of female workers is linked to the social sustainability of the geothermal sector through increased female participation and the strengthening of inclusive workplaces. This study highlights the importance of strengthening more operational and gender-responsive protection policies within the geothermal sector Keywords: Energy Transition; Female Workers; Gender Equality; Geothermal Sector; Policy Workplace Protection Abstrak Pembangunan proyek panas bumi di Indonesia menjadi bagian penting dalam transisi energi berkelanjutan, namun sektor ini masih menghadapi tantangan terkait kesetaraan gender dan perlindungan pekerja perempuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis hambatan yang dihadapi pekerja perempuan serta praktik kebijakan perlindungan dalam sektor panas bumi. Penelitian menggunakan metode tinjauan literatur dengan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis artikel ilmiah, laporan institusi, dan publikasi terkait menggunakan tabel matriks sintesis literatur. Hasil sintesis literatur menunjukkan bahwa pekerja perempuan masih menghadapi budaya kerja maskulin, keterbatasan kebijakan responsif gender, rendahnya representasi perempuan, serta beban ganda domestik. Sejumlah perusahaan telah menerapkan program mentoring, strategi Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), pelatihan kesadaran gender, dan kebijakan anti-pelecehan untuk mendukung lingkungan kerja yang lebih inklusif. Namun, implementasi kebijakan tersebut masih belum merata dan evaluasi empiris mengenai efektivitasnya masih terbatas. Secara konseptual, perlindungan pekerja perempuan berkaitan dengan keberlanjutan sosial sektor energi panas bumi melalui peningkatan partisipasi perempuan dan penguatan lingkungan kerja inklusif. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya penguatan kebijakan perlindungan pekerja perempuan yang lebih operasional dan responsif gender dalam sektor energi panas bumi. Kata Kunci: Kebijakan; Kesetaraan Gender; Pekerja Perempuan; Perlindungan dit Tempat Kerja; Sektor Panas Bumi; Transisi Energi