Government Ensures Oil and Gas Production Trends Are on Target to Achieve Energy Self-Sufficiency
By: Rahman Prawira
Energy resilience is the backbone of sustainable national development. Amidst global dynamics and ever-changing geopolitical challenges, the Indonesian government is taking strategic steps to ensure that the production trends of oil and gas (migas) run on target. This commitment is not merely a promise but an absolute necessity to maintain economic stability, stimulate industrial growth, and realize national energy sovereignty.
In recent years, Indonesia’s oil and gas production targets have been a major focus, especially in the context of the government’s ambition to achieve energy self-sufficiency. Optimism about reaching a target of one million barrels per day (bpd) by 2030 remains strong. Member of the National Energy Council (DEN), Abadi Poernomo, expressed confidence in the latest data from the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas). The data recorded a consistent increase in oil lifting, from 576,000 bpd in mid-2024 to 580,000 bpd during the same period in 2025. Although this achievement is still below target, the positive trend shows that the government and oil and gas industry players are serious and focused on increasing production.
This confidence is further reinforced by ongoing policies and investments flowing into the upstream oil and gas sector. The government is not only relying on existing oil and gas reserves but is also innovating to improve production efficiency and accelerate the development of new fields. This approach forms the foundation so that the ambitious target of 1 million bpd in 2030 is not just rhetoric but a realistic and measurable goal.
Although there is much discussion about switching to clean energy, it is important to remember that fossil energy still accounts for more than 80 percent of Indonesia’s national energy needs. Executive Director of the Center for Energy Security Studies (CESS), Ali Ahmudi Achyak, reminded that the role of oil and gas in maintaining energy resilience and economic stability cannot be overlooked or dismissed.
According to Ali, an excessive focus on an idealistic, rushed energy transition without considering current realities could have negative impacts, particularly disrupting downstream and domestic industries that still heavily depend on stable and affordable fossil energy supplies. Therefore, oil and gas development must remain a primary focus in the coming years, while gradually incorporating clean energy into the national energy mix. This approach ensures stable economic growth without losing momentum towards a greener energy transition.
In his state address, President Prabowo Subianto explicitly positioned energy resilience as a priority agenda. The government views energy resilience not only as the availability of resources but also as managing oil and gas production, accelerating clean energy transition, and providing targeted energy subsidies to ease the burden on the people. The government’s total fiscal support for energy resilience in 2026 is projected at IDR 402.4 trillion, emphasizing the state’s strong commitment to ensuring adequate and affordable energy supply.
This significant budget allocation will be focused on developing environmentally friendly oil and gas technologies, increasing production capacity, and optimizing energy distribution to avoid supply disparities between regions. Energy subsidies are also designed to be more effective, ensuring that assistance reaches the most needy communities without excessively burdening the state budget.
Beyond production, the government is also pushing to strengthen the downstream oil and gas industry ecosystem to increase domestic product added value. This will open new job opportunities while reducing dependence on imports of fuels and oil derivatives. Synergy between upstream and downstream sectors is key for inclusive and sustainable growth of the national oil and gas industry.
Equally important, the government prioritizes technological innovation to optimize oil and gas exploration and production. The use of advanced technology can improve production efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. This aligns with the government’s commitment to balance national energy needs with climate change mitigation efforts.
Overall, these integrated and comprehensive government steps demonstrate that Indonesia is not merely relying on a grand vision of energy self-sufficiency but on a mature strategy to realize it. From data showing increased oil production, the major role of fossil energy in Indonesia’s energy consumption, to budget policies and targeted subsidies, all indicate the government’s serious commitment to maintaining sustainable energy resilience.
Full support for this program is crucial, especially from all elements of society and industry players, to achieve sufficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy. With this, Indonesia can face global challenges while strengthening the national economic foundation toward progress and equitable prosperity.
With solid synergy among government, industry players, and society, the ambitious target of one million barrels per day by 2030 is not impossible. It is an achievement that can be realized through hard work, innovation, and consistent policies. Furthermore, it represents the government’s tangible vision to build an energy-independent, resilient, and sovereign Indonesia.
*) The author is a Government Policy Analyst
