Mohammad Farid Budiono, a researcher from the Department of Social Development and Welfare at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, together with Prof. Susetiawan, has published a study examining state–community relations in rural electrification in Indonesia.
The study analyzes unequal contestations between the state and local communities in the implementation of rural electrification programs. Adopting a critical perspective, it shows that energy infrastructure development does not always align with community needs, but is often shaped by power relations, negotiation processes, and the marginalization of local voices.
The findings highlight that electrification is not merely a technical development agenda, but a socio-political process involving competing interests and structural inequalities. The study calls for more inclusive and community-centered approaches to ensure equitable energy access and participation.