This article argues that a central challenge for energy governance is how to manage a complex 'energy trilemma' involving the sometimes competing demands of energy security, climate change mitigation and (particularly in developing countries) energy poverty. It suggests that tensions between the horns of the trilemma, in large part, explain Indonesia's current, profoundly suboptimal, energy policy. While these tensions are not inherently incapable of resolution, such resolution would require good governance at both state and global levels. The possibilities for and obstacles confronting such governance are explored and provisional solutions canvassed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.