Milan, Italy, The PRAKARSA – ResponsiBank Indonesia together with other Fair Finance Asia (FFA) networks held a discussion forum to coincide with the 58th Asian Development Bank (ADB) Annual Meeting, which took place in Milan, Italy, on 4-7 May 2025. On this occasion, ResponsiBank Indonesia highlighted the real impact of critical mineral mining on society and the environment, while also encouraging a just energy transition.
In a discussion session entitled Critical Minerals and ADB's CM2CET: Perspectives from Civil Society and Frontline Communities, Dwi Rahayu Ningrum presents field findings that reveal the complexity of Indonesia's nickel industry. ResponsiBank's study shows how massive investment from China has changed the economic and social landscape in mining areas.
"Behind the narrative of economic growth, we found fishermen who lost their livelihoods, communities who had difficulty accessing clean water due to pollution, and labor exploitation practices that were still rampant," explained Dwi.
Ironically, although nickel is promoted as a green mineral supporting the energy transition, its operations still depend on coal-fired power plants.
The issue received serious responses from forum participants, including representatives of indigenous communities in Malaysia and Mongolia who shared similar experiences. Jun Rubis from the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (JOAS) described how a Silica mining project in Sarawak threatens the survival of local communities.
Meanwhile, Sukgherel Dugersuren from OT Watch Mongolia criticized the weak implementation of the FPIC principle in ADB projects.
During the four-day meeting, ResponsiBank was actively involved in various strategic discussions. Including when meeting with ADB President, Masato Kanda. On this occasion, Dwi said that ADB needs to take real steps in implementing a truly just and sustainable energy transition, including in the aspect of gender equality in Asia, especially in the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) pilot project at PLTU Cirebon 1, Indonesia.
“ADB must demonstrate concrete actions, not just good intentions,” Dwi said. He emphasized that ADB’s strategy so far has been lacking in real implementation, especially in making gender equality and women’s empowerment a key pillar in all ADB-funded energy transition projects, to the full and meaningful participation of affected communities.
According to him, ADB needs to ensure that the use of gender-disaggregated data and the implementation of robust social impact assessments are not just formalities, but become measurable and systematic mechanisms in every project.
Regarding the Critical Minerals for Clean Energy Transition (CM2CET) strategy currently being developed by ADB, Dwi also emphasized the importance of human rights due diligence and environmental impact assessments that often occur in critical mineral supply chains.
“ADB must ensure transparent consultation and mandatory implementation of the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent to affected communities,” he said, adding that this strategy should not be just an ambition on paper, but should be realized in firm actions that protect the rights and environment of local communities.
Finally, Dwi reminded ADB that a just energy transition cannot just be talked about, but must be implemented in a people-centered manner, without including false solutions, and accompanied by transparency and accountability.