By: Raka Mustofa )*
Indonesia’s commitment to energy self-sufficiency and the transition to clean energy was reaffirmed through the inauguration of the Ulubelu Gunung Tiga Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) with a capacity of 55 megawatts (MW) by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. This national strategic project was developed by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk, a subsidiary of PT Pertamina (Persero), in the Gunung Waypanas working area, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province.
This inauguration also became the momentum for the launch of the development and operation of renewable energy projects in 15 provinces and an increase in oil production by 30 thousand barrels per day in the Cepu Block. This step confirms the direction of national development that is in the interests of the people and shows the government’s strong commitment to realizing energy sovereignty.
In his remarks, President Prabowo emphasized that energy is the main foundation for the sovereignty and future of the nation. With the strong leadership of President Prabowo and abundant natural resources such as geothermal, solar, and wind, Indonesia has a great opportunity to become an independent country in the energy sector. The President also recognizes the importance of optimal energy potential management as a strategic opportunity to strengthen energy sovereignty. The inauguration of the Ulubelu PLTP and other energy projects are concrete evidence of the government’s commitment to building national energy resilience. This is in line with the long-term development vision that places energy sovereignty as one of the main pillars of sustainable development.
The government’s strategic decision to encourage renewable energy projects not only has an impact on the electricity sector, but also has a dual effect on economic development, job creation, and carbon emission reduction. The Ulubelu PLTP, for example, will make a significant contribution to providing clean and stable electricity for the people of Lampung and its surroundings. The development of this geothermal project is also part of the national decarbonization strategy and a concrete step in fulfilling the global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This proves that energy development is a real symbol of the government’s transformational leadership.
President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), Simon Aloysius Mantiri, emphasized his readiness to become the backbone of the energy transition in Indonesia. As a national energy company, Pertamina plays a strategic role in the development of new renewable energy, especially geothermal. The Ulubelu Gunung Tiga PLTP is one of the important milestones in Indonesia’s journey towards cleaner, more affordable, and more sustainable energy.
According to Simon, geothermal development not only answers the challenges of future energy, but also proves that Pertamina is fully committed to supporting the government’s strategic policies. Amidst the global threat of the climate crisis and increasingly limited fossil energy, Indonesia’s bold step shows its strategic position in the world arena.
Furthermore, Simon said that similar projects will continue to be expanded in various regions that have geothermal potential, so that the distribution of renewable energy development can be more evenly distributed throughout Indonesia. With this approach, it is hoped that not only will national energy security increase, but also equitable development and community welfare. This is also proof that the transformation of the energy sector is not just a discourse, but has entered the real implementation stage. Pertamina, as the government’s spearhead in the energy sector, will continue to innovate and invest to strengthen the foundation of Indonesia’s future energy that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
On the legislative side, support for the big agenda of energy self-sufficiency also continues to flow. Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI from the PAN Faction, Eddy Soeparno, expressed his full support for President Prabowo’s steps in accelerating energy self-sufficiency. He conveyed this when attending the laying of the first stone of the ANTAM-IBC-CBL consortium electric vehicle battery industry project by President Prabowo. Eddy stated that the development of various energy projects reflects the government’s grand vision in strengthening national energy security and encouraging green economic growth. He called this step a strategic foundation towards the ambitious target of 8 percent economic growth set by the President.
Furthermore, Eddy emphasized that the MPR RI is ready to support by strengthening regulations, synchronizing policies between ministries/institutions, and harmonizing the central and regional governments. According to him, energy self-sufficiency is not merely a matter of energy security, but is a path to true national sovereignty. Optimal and sustainable utilization of energy potential from the sun, wind, water, and geothermal energyss must be a priority for national development.
He also said that the MPR will continue to oversee the implementation of national strategic projects through cross-agency supervision and coordination functions, to ensure that every energy policy is in accordance with the grand vision of sustainable development.
President Prabowo’s move to directly lead the inauguration of the energy project reflects firm and responsive leadership to future challenges. Amid global geopolitical uncertainty and energy price fluctuations, the government’s move to strengthen domestic energy is a smart strategy that will provide long-term benefits. In addition to ensuring the availability of energy for the people, this strategy also reduces dependence on imported energy and maintains the country’s fiscal stability. In this context, energy self-sufficiency is not just a dream, but an inevitability that is being built with vision, courage, and real work.
All elements of society are expected to support the government’s commitment to realizing national energy self-sufficiency. Public participation is key to accelerating the success of the government’s strategic vision in the energy transition. The public can play an active role in energy conservation, support the use of clean energy, and oversee the government’s strategic policies in the energy sector. By uniting and moving together, Indonesia will be able to achieve energy independence that will not only support economic development, but also ensure environmental sustainability for future generations.
)* The author is an Energy Observer.