This study critically examines post-coal economic transformation through a gender-responsive lens, with a focus on East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. It adopts an intersectional approach to assess economic transformation efforts in relation to diverse groups of women and men.

Further analysis is conducted to identify how multiple, overlapping barriers affect women’s capacity to participate in and benefit from the energy transition.

In addition, the study explores the potential of regional economic development to create more equitable opportunities for diverse gender groups. Accordingly, the study aims to generate recommendations that can support stakeholders and policymakers in promoting a more inclusive and just development transformation in East Kalimantan.

The study reveals that structural barriers continue to shape women’s economic opportunities in East Kalimantan’s strategic sectors, namely coal mining, palm oil plantations, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).