https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/projects/participation-of-women-in-renewable-energy/

Powere Women, Makassar (2026)

26/08/2026

(English translation below) Di Biyawasa (pseudonim), percakapan tentang energi terbarukan dimulai dari hal-hal yang dekat dengan keseharian: matahari yang mengeringkan rumput laut dan pakaian, angin yang menggerakkan perahu, serta air yang menopang kehidupan sehari-hari.

Dalam Action Learning bersama Bai-Baine Pore, para perempuan mengeksplorasi perubahan matahari, angin, dan air mengikuti musim, serta kebutuhan energi rumah tangga—dari lampu dan panel surya hingga pengisian daya telepon dan p***a air.

Kami juga belajar mengukur energi matahari menggunakan solar power meter, bersama Mas Agus Iswadi dan tim Aquatera.

Bagi masyarakat Biyawasa, energi terbarukan bukanlah hal yang sepenuhnya baru. Pengetahuan tentang alam telah menjadi bagian dari kehidupan sehari-hari. Mungkin, yang penting adalah menemukan bagaimana pengetahuan tersebut dapat bertemu dengan gagasan dan teknologi baru.

Dan tentu saja, selalu ada tawa di sepanjang prosesnya. 🌿

Baji’-baji’-baji’! Gayu-gayu-gayu-gayu!
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In Biyawasa (pseudonym), conversations about renewable energy can begin with things people already know well: the sun that dries seaweed and clothes, the wind that helps boats move, and the water that supports everyday life.

During Action Learning with Bai-Baine Pore, the women explored how the sun, wind, and water change with the seasons, and what kinds of energy their households need—from lights and solar panels to phone charging and water pumps.

We also learned how to measure sunlight using a solar power meter, together with Mas Agus Iswadi and the Aquatera team.

For the community, renewable energy is not entirely unfamiliar. Knowledge of the natural environment is already part of everyday life. Perhaps the starting point is to explore how this knowledge can meet new ideas and technologies.

And, of course, there was plenty of laughter along the way. 🌿

Baji’-baji’-baji’! Gayu-gayu-gayu-gayu!

25/08/2026

(English translation below) Dalam sesi Action Learning di Biyawasa kali ini, para perempuan membuat peta pulau berdasarkan tempat-tempat yang penting dalam kehidupan sehari-hari—dari rumah, sumur, dan lahan pertanian hingga wilayah teripang dan kebun rumput laut.

Mereka juga berbagi cara menentukan arah dalam bahasa mereka sendiri: warakkan (utara), timoran (selatan), kalauk (barat), dan raik (timur).

Dengan suasana merah-putih, kegiatan dilanjutkan dengan tarik tambang bersama warga. Di saat yang sama, beberapa warga turut membantu menjaga anak-anak peserta selama kegiatan berlangsung.
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In this Action Learning session in Biyawasa, the women created a map of the island based on places that are important in their everyday lives—from homes, wells, and farmland to sea cucumber harvesting areas and seaweed farms.

They also shared their own ways of navigating the island: warakkan (north), timoran (south), kalauk (west), and raik (east).

With the red-and-white Independence Day spirit, the session continued with a tug-of-war joined by other residents. Meanwhile, several community members helped look after the participants’ children during the session.

Because participation does not always mean being in the room. Sometimes, it means showing up, helping out, and making space for everyone to take part.
Karena partisipasi tidak selalu berarti hadir di dalam ruang. Kadang, partisipasi berarti datang, membantu, dan saling memberi ruang agar semua bisa terlibat.

24/08/2026

(English translation below) “Bambangi allo-a.” — Hari ini panas. ☀️

Begitulah sapaan para perempuan saat satu per satu hadir dalam pertemuan. Meski terik, 33 perempuan tetap hadir dalam pertemuan ketiga Action Learning di Biyawasa.

Kali ini, kami melihat kembali bagaimana berbagai tantangan di pulau—dari cuaca, listrik, pendidikan, air bersih, kesehatan, hingga mata pencaharian—ternyata saling terhubung.

Para perempuan kemudian menggambar bersama-sama sumber daya Biyawasa: ikan, rumput laut, mangrove, lahan, sumur, sekolah, masjid, jalan, dan perahu. Dari gambar-gambar ini, terlihat bagaimana mereka mengenali sumber daya yang tersedia sekaligus pengetahuan yang mereka miliki tentang kehidupan di Biyawasa.
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“Bambangi allo-a.” — It’s hot today. ☀️

That’s how the women greeted each other as they arrived for the session. Despite the heat, 33 women joined the third Action Learning session in Biyawasa.

This time, we looked back at how different challenges on the island—from weather, electricity, and education to fresh water, health, and livelihoods—are all connected.

The women then worked together to draw Biyawasa’s resources: fish, seaweed, mangroves, farmland, wells, schools, mosques, roads, and boats. These drawings showed how they recognise the resources available to them, as well as the knowledge they hold about life in Biyawasa.

23/08/2026

(English translation below) Minggu lalu, kelompok perempuan di Katinting (pseudonim) berkumpul kembali untuk memulai kegiatan menabung bersama. Setelah peneliti postdoktoral POWERE pergi, pertemuan tetap berlangsung rutin di Rannu dengan difasilitasi oleh

Setelah berdiskusi, anggota sepakat bahwa tabungan dapat digunakan sekitar musim tanam pada Desember, terutama untuk kebutuhan keluarga dan membeli benih. Tiga anggota—Dg. Ngangi, Dg. Ngalang, dan Dg. Sunnarik—bertugas mengelola dan mencatat tabungan.

Pertemuan juga membahas uji coba usaha kue dan cendol yang dilakukan oleh Dg. Bunga, Dg. Singarak, dan Daeng Bulan. Seluruh produk terjual dan mendapat respons positif. Mulai minggu berikutnya, anggota lain akan bergantian mencoba usaha tersebut, dengan hasil penjualan menjadi bagian dari dana kolektif kelompok.

Ini menjadi langkah awal yang nyata bagi kelompok untuk mulai membangun usaha bersama dan mengembangkan dana kolektif. 🌱
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Last week, the women’s group in Katinting (pseudonym) gathered again to begin their collective savings activity. After POWERE's postdoctoral researcher left, the group’s regular meetings have continued in Rannu, facilitated by Idhan .

After a discussion, the members agreed that their savings could be used around the planting season in December, particularly for family needs and purchasing seeds. Three members—Dg. Ngangi, Dg. Ngalang, and Dg. Sunnarik—will be responsible for managing and recording the savings.

The meeting also included a discussion about the group’s trial cake and cendol business, carried out by Dg. Bunga, Dg. Singarak, and Daeng Bulan. All the products were sold and received a positive response. Starting next week, other members will take turns trying the business, with the proceeds contributing to the group’s collective fund.

This marks a meaningful first step for the group to build a collective business and strengthen their shared fund. 🌱

22/08/2026

(English translation below) Pada 14 Agustus 2026, kelompok perempuan Baibaine Kassa di Rannu(pseudonim) memulai kegiatan menabung bersama untuk pertama kalinya. Setelah pergi, pertemuan rutin tetap diadakan difasilitasi oleh

Sebanyak 14 anggota ikut menabung sesuai kemampuan masing-masing. Hari itu, terkumpul Rp305.000. Setiap setoran dicatat dalam buku keuangan dan disepakati bersama untuk menjaga transparansi.

Kelompok juga menyusun sistem keamanan: kotak uang disimpan di rumah Dg. Nisa, sementara kuncinya dipegang oleh Dg. Sage.

Rencananya, kegiatan ini akan dilakukan setiap minggu selama tiga bulan sebelum dievaluasi bersama.

Ini merupakan langkah kecil yang penting untuk membangun kebiasaan menabung dan memperkuat pengelolaan keuangan bersama. 🤝
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On August 14, 2026, the Baibaine Kassa Women’s Group in Rannu (pseudonym) started a collective savings activity for the first time. After ’s departure, the group’s regular meetings have continued, facilitated by .

Fourteen members participated, contributing according to their means. That day, they saved a total of IDR 305,000. Each contribution was recorded in the group’s financial book as part of their shared commitment to transparency.

The group also established a simple security system: the cash box will be kept at Dg. Nisa’s house, while the key will be held by Dg. Sage.

The group plans to continue saving together every week for three months before evaluating the activity.

A small but important step toward building a habit of saving and strengthening collective financial management. 🤝

20/08/2026

(English translation below) Di hari pergi meninggalkan Katinting (pseudonim) sekitar pukul 04.30, gelap masih menyelimuti desa. Lampu di rumah Dg. Piju menyala redup — salah satu baterainya sudah mulai rusak, tapi tetap menyala, seperti semangat warga di sana yang tak pernah padam.

Nenek Sore menyiapkan kopi dan telur rebus sebelum Runa berangkat. Lalu satu per satu, ibu-ibu kelompok datang — dari Kalikung, Katinting Ujung, Genting — hanya untuk mengantar. Pagi itu sunyi, tak ada canda seperti biasanya, hanya senyum, uluran tangan, dan suara yang sesekali bergetar.

"Salamaki. Jangan lupakan kami di sini."

Runa titipkan harapan: semoga tahun depan saat kembali, Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya Terapung sudah berdiri, dan mereka semakin percaya diri mengelolanya sendiri. Jolloro perlahan membawanya pergi, tapi sebagian hatinya tertinggal di Katinting — tangannya melambai sampai mereka menghilang dari pandangan. 🌅💛
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English translation:

On the day left Katinting (pseudonym) around 4:30 AM, the village was still cloaked in darkness. The lights at Dg. Piju's house glowed dim — one of the batteries had started to fail, but it still shone, like the unwavering spirit of the people there.

Nenek Sore prepared coffee and boiled eggs before Runa set off. Then, one by one, the women from the group arrived — from Kalikung, Katinting Ujung, Genting — just to see her off. That morning was quiet, none of the usual jokes, only smiles, helping hands, and voices that trembled now and then.

"Salamaki. Don't forget us here."

Runa left them with a hope: that when she returns next year, the FPV will already be standing, and they'll be even more confident managing it on their own. The jolloro slowly carried her away, but a part of her heart stayed behind in Katinting — waving until they disappeared from view. 🌅💛

18/08/2026

(English translation below) "Masih lama, Mbak, pulangnya?” Pertanyaan itu terus muncul di bulan terakhir di lapangan. Sampai akhirnya waktu kepulangannya tiba juga, setelah sembilan bulan menjalani riset etnografi dan Action Learning bersama para perempuan Bai-Baine Teraqsana di Katinting (pseudonim).

Menjelang kepergian Runa, para perempuan menginisiasi perpisahan “sementara”. Mereka memasak makanan berbahan rumput laut, bermain domino, bernyanyi, dan menari bersama. Di tengah suasana hangat itu, Dg. Kobe tiba-tiba memeluk Runa dan menangis. “Mbak Runa, terima kasih. Saya belajar banyak dari Mbak tentang kelompok, listrik, dan banyak hal baru. Saya sedih sekali.”

Satu per satu, mereka ikut memeluk Runa. Siang itu terasa panas bukan hanya karena matahari, tetapi juga karena air mata. Sembilan bulan belajar dan bekerja bersama akhirnya ditutup dengan puisi Dg. Ngalung tentang perjalanan mereka dalam Action Learning.

Runa pergi, tetapi perjalanan yang mereka bangun bersama POWERE tidak berakhir di sini. 🌱
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“How much longer until you go home, Mbak?”

That question kept coming up during ’s final month in the field. Until the time finally came for her to leave, after nine months of conducting ethnographic research and Action Learning with the women of Bai-Baine Teraqsana in Katinting (pseudonym).

As Runa’s departure approached, the women initiated a “temporary” farewell. They cooked seaweed-based foods, played dominoes, sang, and danced together. In the middle of the warm gathering, Dg. Kobe suddenly hugged Runa and began to cry.

“Mbak Runa, thank you. I’ve learned so much from you about the group, electricity, and so many new things. I’m really sad.”

One by one, the others came to hug Runa too. That afternoon felt hot not only because of the sun, but also because of our tears. Nine months of learning and working together came to an end with a poem by Dg. Ngalung about their journey through Action Learning.

Runa has left, but the journey they have built together through POWERE does not end here. 🌱

17/08/2026

(English translation below) Di Biyawasa (Pseudonim), semangat 17 Agustus sudah terasa sejak beberapa minggu lalu. Merah Putih berkibar di depan rumah, anak-anak berlatih untuk perlombaan, para pramuka bersiap untuk berkemah, dan para ibu ikut mendampingi setiap persiapan.

Kemarin, anak-anak berangkat menuju Tamparang untuk mengikuti perayaan. Dari pulau seperti Biyawasa, perjalanan ini juga berarti menyeberangi laut. Di pelabuhan, para ibu melepas mereka dengan senyum dan semangat.

Bagi POWERE, momen ini mengingatkan bahwa energi memungkinkan masyarakat untuk terhubung, belajar, bergerak, dan berpartisipasi. Kami berharap akses terhadap energi bersih dan terbarukan dapat hadir untuk semua, termasuk masyarakat di pulau-pulau terpencil.

🇮🇩 Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia ke-81!

Semoga semangat kemerdekaan terus menyala dengan harapan akan masa depan energi terbarukan yang adil dan inklusif.
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In Biyawasa (pseudonym), the spirit of August 17th has been felt for several weeks. The Red and White flag flies in front of homes, children practise for competitions, scouts prepare for camp, and mothers help with every part of the preparations.

Yesterday, the children set off for Tamparang to join the celebrations. From an island like Biyawasa, the journey also means crossing the sea. At the port, mothers saw them off with smiles and words of encouragement.

For POWERE, moments like this remind us that energy enables communities to connect, learn, move, and participate. We hope access to clean and renewable energy can reach everyone, including communities on remote islands.

🇮🇩 **Happy 81st Independence Day, Indonesia!**

May the spirit of independence continue to shine, alongside our hope for a just and inclusive renewable energy future.

16/08/2026

(English translation below)
Babak baru dimulai di Pulau Biyawasa 🌱

Sembilan bulan telah berlalu. Selama di Katinting dan Rannu, dan melaksanakan penelitian etnografi dan Action Learning bersama kelompok perempuan. Kini, perjalanan ini dilanjutkan oleh ChuChun, postdoktoral riset kami, di Biyawasa.

Proses ini juga akan mempertemukan kelompok perempuan antarpulau. Para duta perempuan dari Rannu dan Katinting akan sesekali hadir di Biyawasa untuk berbagi pengetahuan, pengalaman, dan cerita bersama kelompok perempuan di sana.

Sebuah jejaring pembelajaran baru sedang dimulai—melintasi komunitas, pulau, dan generasi.

Dimulai dari perempuan.
Ps. Semua nama tempat adalah pseudonim.
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A new chapter begins on Biyawasa Island🌱

Nine months have passed. During their time in Katinting and Rannu, and conducted ethnographic research and Action Learning alongside women’s groups. Now, the journey continues with ChuChun, our postdoctoral researcher, in Biyawasa.

This process will also bring women’s groups across islands together. Women ambassadors from Rannu and Katinting will occasionally visit Biyawasa to share their knowledge, experiences, and stories with the women’s group there.

A new learning network is taking shape—connecting communities, islands, and generations.

It begins with women.

P.S. All place names are pseudonyms.

14/08/2026

(English translation below) Sembilan bulan berlalu begitu cepat. Selama di Desa Rannu(pseudonim) , Diah Irawaty , peneliti postdoktoral POWERE, belajar bersama para perempuan tentang kehidupan, energi, dan bagaimana mereka menghadapi berbagai tantangan di pulau tanpa listrik dengan akses air bersih yang terbatas.

30 Juli menjadi hari terakhir Ira di Rannu. Perpisahan dipenuhi haru, air mata, dan kebahagiaan ketika warga mengantarnya hingga ke jolloro, dengan harapan suatu hari Ira akan kembali.

Ini bukanlah perpisahan, melainkan babak baru dalam perjalanan belajar bersama. ❤️
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Nine months passed so quickly. During her time in Rannu Village (pseudonym), Diah Irawaty (Ira), a POWERE postdoctoral researcher, learned alongside local women about life, energy, and how they navigate everyday challenges on an off-grid island with limited access to fresh water.

July 30 marked Ira’s last day in Rannu. Her farewell was filled with emotion, tears, and happiness as villagers accompanied her to the jolloro, hoping she would return one day.

It was not a goodbye, but a new chapter in a shared journey of learning. ❤️

Powere Women

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

23/08/2026

22/08/2026

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

17/08/2026

16/08/2026

14/08/2026

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