By: Dimas Eko Pratama )*
The effort to achieve energy self-sufficiency is a strategic agenda that will significantly determine the future of the Indonesian economy. The government currently faces major challenges in the form of increasing national energy needs, fluctuations in global commodity prices, and supply issues that require long-term solutions. In this context, collaboration between the government, industry players, and various energy sector associations is a crucial step to ensure that all components of energy development run in harmony. This approach not only strengthens the stability of domestic supply but also provides momentum for Indonesia to accelerate the transformation towards sustainable energy independence.
Anggawira, Chairman of the Indonesian Energy, Mineral, and Coal Suppliers Association (Aspebindo), emphasized that collaboration between the government, industry, and associations is increasingly relevant amidst the dynamics of national energy needs. He believes that current issues related to coal supply for PLN require joint action that prioritizes mutual understanding. Differing interests between coal suppliers and domestic demand must be bridged through more intensive dialogue and coordination. With strong collaboration, ideal and equitable pricing can be found for all parties, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the national electricity supply.
Anggawira emphasized that energy is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s primary commitments to future national development. The government is currently promoting the optimization of oil and gas resources, mineral and coal resources, and the development of community energy potential as a future business strategy. This step aims not only to meet national energy needs but also to create an inclusive energy ecosystem by involving communities as key actors in new energy production. With this strategy, the government hopes Indonesia can reduce its dependence on energy imports and strengthen national resilience amidst global volatility.
On the other hand, the dynamics of coal mining also require special attention to avoid disrupting the balance between domestic supply and export orientation. Acting Executive Director of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI), Gita Mahyarani, stated that collaboration between the government and industry is key to maintaining this stability. According to her, challenges related to the preparation of the Work Plan and Budget (RKAB), including licensing issues, must be addressed collaboratively to ensure mining operations run more effectively. Harmonization of regulations and policies between agencies is crucial to provide business certainty to industry players while ensuring that domestic needs are not neglected.
Gita also highlighted that the coal sector remains the backbone of the national energy supply, particularly for electricity needs. Therefore, the continuity of coal production and distribution must be ensured through policies that respond to changes in the global market situation. Industry support for government policies plays a significant role in maintaining domestic supply availability, particularly during periods of increased national electricity demand. Close collaboration between the government and industry allows for a more balanced arrangement between export orientation and meeting domestic needs.
Meanwhile, the oil and gas sector faces different challenges, particularly related to declining production and increasing long-term demand for fossil fuels. Executive Director of the Indonesia Petroleum Association (IPA), Marjolijn Wajong, stated that Indonesia’s oil and gas outlook shows an upward trend in oil and gas demand in the coming decades. This situation demands strategic steps that support investment certainty, particularly for exploration and production. Without adaptive regulatory support, Indonesia risks becoming increasingly dependent on oil and gas imports, which could impact national energy stability.
Marjolijn added that ensuring long-term contracts between the government and industry is crucial for maintaining investment sustainability. A more comprehensive revision of oil and gas regulations is needed to create a competitive business climate and attract new capital for exploration activities. The government also needs to ensure a more efficient licensing process so that oil and gas operations can proceed without unnecessary administrative obstacles. These steps are crucial for strengthening the foundation of the national oil and gas industry while maintaining Indonesia’s long-term energy security.
Given all these dynamics, it’s clear that cross-sector collaboration is a key foundation for achieving energy self-sufficiency. The government has demonstrated a strong commitment through various policies supporting the optimization of national energy resource utilization. Industry and associations have also demonstrated their readiness to play an active role as strategic partners in developing a more modern and sustainable energy sector. With synergy between all stakeholders, Indonesia is on the right track to reducing its dependence on foreign energy.
Achieving energy self-sufficiency is not solely the responsibility of the government and industry; it also requires public participation. Public awareness of energy efficiency and support for government programs are crucial factors in accelerating national energy independence. In this context, public participation can be realized through energy conservation, household-scale renewable energy utilization, and active involvement in environmental sustainability. Public support will strengthen a resilient and future-oriented national energy ecosystem.
)* National Energy Policy Analyst.