Highway to Net‑Zero: A Comparative Study of the Just Energy Transition Partnership in Indonesia, South Africa, and Vietnam

Abstract

The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) is a multilateral initiative that promotes a fair and inclusive transition to low-carbon energy systems in developing countries. This study compares the implementation of JETP in Indonesia, South Africa, and Vietnam, focusing on five key aspects: emission reduction commitments, financing structures, sectoral scope, implementation challenges, and social justice. The research employs qualitative documentation analysis, utilizing official JETP documents, reports from international organizations, and academic articles to systematically examine each country’s approach. A coding framework was developed to categorize the data into key themes, allowing for a comparative analysis across countries. To ensure the validity of the findings, triangulation was employed by comparing insights from official government documents, reports from international organizations, and academic sources. While all three countries share a commitment to transitioning to low-carbon energy systems, their paths differ based on their unique political, economic, and social contexts. Indonesia aims for net-zero emissions by 2060, South Africa by 2050, and Vietnam by 2050, each with different financial strategies and sectoral focuses. The study highlights challenges such as policy coherence, financing gaps, and the need for effective governance. Social justice, including job creation, reskilling, and inclusivity of vulnerable groups, is central to the transitions in all three countries, although the focus varies. This research provides insights into the implementation dynamics of JETP and offers recommendations for improving the design and execution of such partnerships to ensure successful energy transitions.