Under the IETF Program, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) and AFD have signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) on “Policies for Sustainable Production of Bioenergy” to advance Indonesia’s bioenergy sector by addressing regulatory gaps and technical challenges. This initiative specifically focuses on the development of agricultural-based biomass for combustion in medium-scale standalone plants (5–30 MW), with a strong emphasis on ensuring compliance with Environmental and Social (E&S) safeguards in line with AFD and European Union standards. A key objective is to maximize economic benefits for individual biomass collectors in rural areas. It is important to note that biofuels and palm oil-based biomass are explicitly excluded from the scope of this support, as they fall outside the intended focus of this intervention.

This initiative consists of four key activities:

·     Bioenergy policy development, including a benchmarking study of legal frameworks and an inventory of bioenergy policies.

·     Assessment of biomass potential and feedstock supply chains, focusing on mapping agricultural waste biomass in two provinces/regions.

·     Bioenergy capacity development and benchmarking visits, including training up to 15 people and conducting site visits.

·     Sectoral dialogue through dissemination and focus group discussions aligned with AFD bioenergy guidelines.

The bioenergy policy development activity will generate policy briefs and recommendations for regulatory improvements. The biomass potential assessment will identify feedstock availability and supply chain optimization strategies. The capacity development and benchmarking visits will enhance stakeholder knowledge and technical expertise, while the sectoral dialogue will facilitate engagement between policymakers, industry players, and technical experts.

The insights gained from these activities will serve as input for policy adjustments under MEMR, aligning with the PBL ASET.

Future appointed consultants will implement these activities under the IETF technical assistance framework, with monitoring and oversight from the Bioenergy Strategy and Quality Supervisor. The Bioenergy Strategy and Quality Supervisor will support the TA Leader for Policies in ensuring alignment with MEMR’s objectives, Indonesia’s renewable energy targets, and international best practices for sustainable bioenergy development.

1.   Oversight and Monitoring of Bioenergy Activities

• Supervise the initiation and implementation of the bioenergy development program in collaboration with MEMR and AFD.
• Ensure all activities align with MEMR’s objectives, Indonesia’s renewable energy targets, and international best practices.
• Monitor progress, track deliverables, and report any deviations from the agreed work plan.

2.   Support for the Initiation Phase

• Oversee focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted by the TA Leader for Policies and Consultants with MEMR’s Bioenergy and key stakeholders.
• Assist in setting up working teams to participate in trainings and studies.
• Ensure the preparation of detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the recruitment of consultants for bioenergy-related studies.

3.   Implementation Phase Supervision

• Monitor the recruitment and work progress of consultants conducting bioenergy policy and technical studies.
• Track site missions and ensure alignment with the agreed ToR for each study.
• Organize and participate in regular coordination meetings between AFD, MEMR, and consultants.
• Oversee the benchmarking of legal frameworks and the mapping of bioenergy feedstock supply chains in targeted provinces.
• Ensure that capacity development activities, including training programs and benchmarking visits, meet project objectives.
• Review and improve the quality of the deliverables from the consultants.

4.   Reporting and Policy Recommendations

• Prepare technical reports and updates on project progress, findings, and outcomes.
• Provide policy recommendations based on project insights to support MEMR’s policy adjustments, aligning with PBL ASET.
• Ensure that the final assessment report includes strategic recommendations for the long-term sustainability of Indonesia’s bioenergy sector.

5.   Technical Insights

• Provide technical expertise for additional bioenergy studies or policy needs as they arise.
• Prepare reports or documents requested by the TA Leader for Policies.
• Support the TA Leader for Policies in meetings, workshops, and discussions on bioenergy development, policy reform, and sustainable deployment strategies.
• Technical insights and recommendations for policy making
• Provide guidance for follow-up studies and next steps
• Any other technical insight deemed necessary

The Bioenergy Strategy and Quality Supervisor will be responsible for ensuring the methodological soundness and quality of studies and activities related to bioenergy development in Indonesia, with a focus on:

• Review of Study Methodology: Assessing consultants' approaches to ensure technical rigor in bioenergy policy analysis, biomass mapping, and feedstock supply chain assessments.
• Progress and Quality Assurance: Conducting regular evaluations of consultant deliverables, including reports on bioenergy policies, biomass potential, and capacity-building programs.
• Policy Recommendations: Evaluating key findings to provide evidence-based recommendations for MEMR’s bioenergy policies, ensuring alignment with PBL ASET and Indonesia’s renewable energy targets.
• Final Technical Assessment Report: Summarizing project outcomes, lessons learned, and strategic policy recommendations to guide long-term bioenergy development and implementation strategies.

Expected deliverables: Each service will be accompanied of a delivered that will be defined in the purchase order provided to the Bioenergy Strategy & Quality Supervisor.

The Bioenergy Strategy and Quality Supervisor will act as the technical liaison between Expertise France (EF) and the appointed consultants, ensuring that the activities described above are effectively implemented, reviewed, and aligned with national energy policies and JETP objectives. The interaction between these parties will be structured through regular meetings, technical reviews, and reporting mechanisms to ensure efficient communication, progress tracking, and quality assurance. It is envisaged as follow and may be amended depending on the clients’ needs.

The Bioenergy Strategy and Quality Supervisor will report to the TA Leader for Policies and will receive directives solely from her to carry out an activity, which will be detailed in a purchase order.