Fishermen blame pollution while funding delays cloud 2035 closure plan
Indonesia’s flagship coal transition project in Cirebon is facing renewed uncertainty, as delays in international funding and a policy reversal in 2025 cast doubt on plans to retire the plant early.
Coastal Communities Raise Alarm
In Cirebon, West Java, frustration is mounting among villagers who live near the Cirebon-1 coal-fired power plant. Supriyanto, a 32-year-old green mussel trader, says local shellfish have disappeared from nearby waters.
Fishermen believe wastewater discharge from the plant has driven away mussels and fish. “There should be goods from our own village, now there aren’t,” he said, questioning why the plant was built so close to their fishing grounds.
Plant Operations And Environmental Claims
The 660-megawatt Cirebon-1 facility began operating in 2012 under a 30-year contract. A second 1,000 MW unit started operations in 2023, expanding the site’s power generation capacity.
The consortium behind Cirebon Power maintains it complies with regulations and says wastewater is released in a clear and pure condition at the same temperature as seawater. However, some residents remain unconvinced, linking the plant to declining seafood stocks and health concerns.
Early Retirement Plan Under JETP
Cirebon-1 was selected for early retirement under Indonesia’s Just Energy Transition Partnership, a US$20 billion deal announced in 2022 to help phase out coal.
The closure was initially targeted for early 2035 as a symbol of Indonesia’s shift away from coal. The JETP aimed to channel funding from developed nations to accelerate renewable energy adoption in emerging economies.
Funding Delays And Deadlock
Despite pledges increasing to US$21.8 billion, only about US$3.4 billion has been made available, according to government
figures released earlier in February. In 2025, the United States withdrew from the partnership, with Germany stepping up to co-lead alongside Japan.
Bhima Yudhistira Adhinegara of the Center of Economic and Law Studies described the framework as being in deadlock. He noted that some partner countries are prioritizing their own transition initiatives, such as Japan’s Asia Zero Emission Community, reducing momentum behind JETP.
Mixed Reactions From Workers
The proposed closure has divided local opinion. While some residents blame the plant for environmental damage, others rely on it for employment.
Sopian Suputra, a security guard at the plant, acknowledged the tension. As the primary breadwinner for his family, he depends on the facility for income, illustrating the complex social trade-offs tied to energy transition policies.
Energy Transition At A Crossroads
Indonesia’s broader goal is to reduce coal dependence while maintaining energy security and economic stability. However, the 2025 policy reversal and funding uncertainty have cast fresh doubts over the timeline.
For fishermen like Sarjum, who say hot water discharge has driven fish away, the stakes are personal. He continues to campaign for closure, fearing long-term health impacts on future generations.
The Cirebon coal plant controversy reflects the broader challenges facing Indonesia’s energy transition. While international partnerships promised billions to accelerate coal retirement, delays and shifting geopolitical priorities have slowed progress. For Indonesians and Singaporeans monitoring regional sustainability efforts, the case highlights the delicate balance between environmental responsibility, economic livelihoods, and global climate commitments.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , The Jakarta Post (2026)
Keywords: Cirebon 1 Plant, JETP Indonesia, Bhima Yudhistira, Energy Transition 2035, Coal Phase Out
