Letters | Asean’s renewable push needs inclusive economic models
Readers discuss energy transition strategies, the low-altitude economy, and China buying ‘fourth-best’ AI chips
In South Papua, Indonesia, nine-year-old Ulin spends hours each day collecting water and firewood – time that could be spent in school or learning online. Her village, once reliant on diesel generators, has struggled to afford fuel amid rising costs. With the nearest grid over 50km away, communities like hers are left quite literally in the dark.
As the global energy transition accelerates, we must remember a fundamental principle: no one should be left behind. A just transition means more than swapping fossil fuels for renewables; it’s about ensuring communities have the energy they need to thrive, from hospitals to schools to homes.
Progress requires more than large-scale infrastructure. It demands inclusive economic models, resilient institutions and tailored support for rural and marginalised populations.
Southeast Asian governments have advanced regional cooperation on renewables, yet deployment on the ground remains uneven. Urban and wealthier communities often benefit first, while poorer regions face hurdles in financing and technical support.