Green Narratives, Grey Realities: Case Study of Greenwashing in Renewable Energy Projects

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenon of greenwashing in the context of renewable energy projects in Indonesia, examining the disparity between the country's ambitious environmental goals and the realities of their implementation. As Indonesia commits to transitioning toward a greener economy, the promotion of renewable energy projects has been positioned as a key strategy for reducing carbon emissions. However, this study reveals a troubling trend where certain projects, despite their "green" claims, fail to meet genuine environmental standards, instead serving as vehicles for corporate interests and governmental image-building. By investigating several case studies, this paper highlights instances where renewable energy projects are marketed as environmentally sustainable, yet are, in practice, limited in their impact on reducing environmental harm or improving social welfare. The research critically analyzes how the Indonesian government, alongside private sector actors, has fallen short in ensuring the transparency, accountability, and efficacy of its renewable energy policies. Issues such as inadequate environmental impact assessments, lack of community consultation, and regulatory loopholes are explored, revealing how they contribute to the perpetuation of greenwashing. This paper contributes to the global debate on environmental governance by demonstrating how the rhetoric of sustainability can sometimes mask harmful practices. It calls for stricter regulatory frameworks, more transparent monitoring mechanisms, and a commitment to genuine, community-centered environmental solutions. Through its analysis, the paper advocates for a reevaluation of how renewable energy projects are conceptualized and implemented, urging policymakers to move beyond superficial commitments to ensure real environmental and social benefits.