The Indonesian government has submitted its plan for nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions (NZEs) by 2060. While looking to reduce emissions from forestry, the government has prioritised a transition to renewable energy in the energy sector. However, Indonesia faces challenges owing to its lower-middle-income status, limited budgets and constraints in attracting international finance. This paper aims to assess Indonesia’s potential for realising its energy transition goals. It evaluates the country’s economic strength, past experiences in energy transition and the current status of ongoing initiatives. It concludes that significant progress is possible, but achieving NZEs by 2060 remains a major challenge. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.