The momentum of the 2024 regional elections is a strategic opportunity to understand political dynamics and evaluate the extent to which environmental issues impact voter preferences. Digital campaign monitoring on social media and online media during the period June to August 2024 revealed various key issues, such as energy transition, climate crisis, critical minerals, renewable energy, and social issues at the local level. The monitoring results show that West Java people have a relatively high awareness of climate change and energy transition issues. Topics that are often discussed include the cancellation of the Bantargebang solar power plant project, the operational impact of the Cirebon PLTU, and the operation of the Cirata floating solar power plant.
In contrast to West Java, the Central Sulawesi region still faces major challenges related to the environmental and social impacts of the nickel industry. Emerging issues include agrarian conflicts due to nickel mine expansion, deforestation caused by industrial activities, and socio-economic impacts arising from development inequality. Based on the analysis, recommendations are directed to West Java gubernatorial candidates to accelerate energy transition and renewable energy development through policies that are aligned with the principles of environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, Central Sulawesi gubernatorial candidates are expected to integrate the agenda of energy sustainability, social justice and environmental impact mitigation in their vision and mission, particularly by prioritising the resolution of agrarian conflicts and fair management of the impact of the nickel industry. This election is more than just a political contestation, but also a strategic platform to encourage policies oriented towards environmental sustainability and community welfare.
