This paper elaborates on recent studies on renewable energy (solar, bamboo, general RE) in both Indonesia and Malaysia. A series of pertinent studies are identified, and findings and approaches of past publications are reported in this study. The studies are then classified according to the context/theme and focus/approach to form a literature matrix. For the focus/approach, three groups of studies are observed, namely: empirical/experimental study (focusing on technology development), exploratory study (focusing on drivers and impediments), and explanatory study (focusing on demand/supply/impact). The matrix indicates that: research on renewable energy in Indonesia and Malaysia is still limited. The implementation of renewable energy technology needs to be studied in order to be carried out effectively. The direction of further research proposed by the researcher is expected to broaden the understanding of renewable energy in Indonesia and Malaysia.