Energy security governance and its adaptive capacity

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to introduce the Adaptive Capacity Wheel (ACW) Framework to assess the adaptive capacity of local institutions to address energy security issues. This study used two comparative cases, representing Indonesia's city level (Palembang) and the province level (South Sumatra Province). Design/methodology/approach Data used in the analysis were from face-to-face interviews, site observation and document review. This study conducted a set of semi-structured interviews with the key interviewees. Findings The two government institutions (city and province) report the challenges in dealing with energy security. The results found that the stakeholders at the city level are less adaptive than those at the province level. This challenge is substantially visible regarding variety, resources, room for autonomous change and leadership. On the other hand, South Sumatra Province is quite adaptive in terms of variety, resources and leadership. This study offers a potential adoption of the ACW framework as an analytical instrument to review the adaptive capacity of local institutions in addressing energy security. Research limitations/implications Transforming data from the qualitative to the quantitative form can lead to a biased interpretation of data. Originality/value This study is the first attempt to explore the adaptive capacity of local institutions to address the energy security agenda through the lens of the ACW framework.