By: Irfan Aditya )*
In an effort to strengthen national energy resilience and independence, the government is targeting a production capacity of 100 gigawatt hours (GWh) in the major Energy Self-Sufficiency program. This target is not just an ambitious number, but an important milestone on the journey towards sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sovereignty. This program reflects the government’s strong commitment to building a new, independent energy ecosystem based on renewable energy and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, which have been the main challenges in the national energy balance.
The achievement of 100 GWh is seen as a strategic leap that can accelerate the development of clean energy, especially in the electric battery sector and renewable energy such as solar and wind. The government sees that with the availability of energy of this magnitude, Indonesia is able to encourage electrification in the transportation and industrial sectors, two sectors that have so far been the main contributors to carbon emissions. In other words, this program not only contributes to energy self-sufficiency, but also becomes a main pillar in the transition to a green economy.
In the inauguration of the Groundbreaking of the Integrated Electric Vehicle Battery Industry Ecosystem in Karawang with a capacity of 15 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year, President Prabowo Subianto said that Indonesia must be able to produce 100 GWh of electricity to achieve energy self-sufficiency. This target is key to reducing dependence on energy imports, strengthening national resilience, and encouraging the transformation towards the use of clean and renewable energy. With such a large capacity, Indonesia can meet increasing domestic needs, support the electrification of the transportation and industrial sectors, and create an independent, efficient, and sustainable energy ecosystem.
This concrete step also strengthens cross-sector cooperation and encourages strategic investment in the construction of battery factories, energy storage systems (ESS), and the development of smart grids to support efficient and equitable energy distribution. Several strategic industrial areas in Indonesia, such as in Morowali, Batang, and Karawang, have been projected to become green energy production centers that support the 100 GWh target. The presence of these projects not only creates jobs, but also opens up great opportunities for the development of local technology and sustainable knowledge transfer.
The 100 GWh target is also inseparable from the active role of related ministries and institutions that have established partnerships with global investors to accelerate the development of energy infrastructure. The government realizes that to achieve energy self-sufficiency, synergistic collaboration is needed between the state, industry players, the research community, and the community as end users. Therefore, the government continues to build inclusive policies, provide incentives for green industry players, and strengthen regulations that support sustainable investment. By providing clean and abundant energy, Indonesia can reduce dependence on fossil fuel power plants that still dominate the current electricity system.
In addition to the environmental aspect, this program also has a significant economic impact. Energy self-sufficiency will reduce fuel import costs, reduce the burden of energy subsidies, and create stronger fiscal resilience amidst global dynamics. With a stable and sustainable energy supply, the competitiveness of the national industry will increase, especially energy-intensive industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and automotive. This is an important foundation for building an economy based on added value and innovation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia said that in the future the government will not only produce batteries for vehicles, but also batteries for energy storage from solar power plants (PLTS). This project is part of the battery industry development strategy from upstream to downstream, consisting of six integrated sub-projects.
Then the community becomes an integral part of this energy self-sufficiency ecosystem. The government encourages public participation through village electrification programs, installation of rooftop solar panels, and provision of massive electric vehicle charging infrastructure (charging stations). With an inclusive approach, this program does not only belong to the government or large investors, but becomes a national movement that involves all elements of the nation in creating a sovereign, clean, and just energy future.
With a collaborative spirit and long-term vision, the 100 GWh target is not just a dream, but a real manifestation of the direction of national development that supports sustainability. The government is optimistic that through careful planning, progressive regulatory support, and a spirit of innovation, Indonesia can become a major force in the global clean energy industry. Amidst climate challenges and volatility in the world energy market, Indonesia’s steps towards energy self-sufficiency are a reflection of visionary leadership that is responsive to the needs of the times.
Ultimately, the Energy Self-Sufficiency program with a target of 100 GWh is a manifestation of the nation’s noble ideals to not only become energy consumers, but also strong and independent energy producers. This is an energy legacy for future generations of clean, affordable, and empowering energy. On the way to 2045, Indonesia Emas will be supported by a strong and sovereign national energy foundation.
)* Public policy observer