Simulacra
Vol 9, No 1: 2026

Recognizing women’s hidden role in climate action: Lessons from Eastern Indonesia

Sulastri Sardjo (Departement of Sociology, Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Prof. Dr. Selo Soemardjan Depok, Jawa Barat, Indonesia 16424)
Elisabeth Yulia Nugraha (Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng, Jl. Jenderal A. Yani No. 10, Manggarai, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia 86523)
Jop Koopman (Department of Organization Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 1081 HV)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jun 2026

Abstract

The global energy transition is central to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development. Achieving a just transition requires attention to social and gender dimensions. Yet, in many rural contexts, women are still positioned as passive recipients rather than active contributors to renewable energy initiatives. This study examines women’s recognition and inclusion in the development of household-scale biogas systems in Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Drawing on feminist political ecology and the energy justice framework, the research explores how gendered divisions of labor, situated knowledge, and local power relations shape women’s participation in renewable energy transitions, particularly in livestock management and household energy practices. Fieldwork in Nenu and Pagal villages used a participatory action research approach, combining in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women farmers and local stakeholders. Findings show that women’s everyday livestock management—feeding animals, maintaining stalls, and collecting manure—is essential for sustaining household biogas systems. These often-invisible forms of labor position women as key actors in maintaining biodigester feedstock. The study contributes by integrating feminist political ecology and energy justice framework to understand better how gendered labor, knowledge, and power shape participation and recognition in renewable energy initiatives.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

simulacra

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

The scope of the journal includes general and specific areas of sociology, social work, social psychology, social statistics, criminology, social research methods, and other related disciplines. SIMULACRA: JURNAL SOSIOLOGI accepts both qualitative and quantitative journal manuscripts for ...