Jakarta – Strengthening domestic energy production and accelerating the development of new and renewable energy (NRE) is the government’s strategic focus in strengthening national energy security. This policy reflects a long-term vision to build an independent, sustainable, and competitive energy system. By ensuring a stable energy supply and encouraging the use of clean energy sources, the government affirms its commitment to achieving energy independence while supporting environmentally friendly and future-oriented national economic growth.
Acting Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KESDM), Tri Winarno, stated that in the context of national energy security, the government has established three main pillars: energy independence, energy security, and energy self-sufficiency. Therefore, KESDM continues to strive to increase fuel production capacity while reducing imports.
“Furthermore, regarding energy security, we hope to increase national energy reserve capacity by increasing oil storage capacity in Indonesia. To achieve energy self-sufficiency, we are striving to at least reduce energy imports through several approaches,” Tri explained.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) has also continuously pushed for an increase in the potential of oil and gas (oil and gas) working areas in recent years. According to MEMR data, the potential for national oil and gas areas has reached 110 in the past two years.
The government plans to auction these 110 oil and gas working areas. So far, he noted that several investors have already bid for these oil and gas working areas.
In addition to strengthening oil and gas production and reserves, the MEMR is also actively implementing the mandatory blending program for diesel fuel with palm oil at 40%, or B40. The B40 program is estimated to have boosted state foreign exchange by up to IDR 130 trillion.
The Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, revealed that the program has also successfully created new jobs, reaching 2 million workers in Indonesia. Therefore, based on the success of the B40 program, the government will increase the mandatory use of biodiesel to 50%, or B50.
“The B50 trial has been field tested. The automotive sector has already covered 20,000 kilometers, and will eventually reach 50,000 kilometers. We will push for other programs,” he emphasized.
The government’s efforts to strengthen oil and gas production and the development of new and renewable energy (EBT) received support from Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Eddy Soeparno. He appreciated the government’s strategic steps in promoting national energy independence, particularly through increasing the use of biodiesel under the B40 program.
“Indonesia must continue to move towards energy independence by maximizing the potential of domestic resources, one of which is through the B40 program,” said Eddy.
He also supported the development of bioethanol as an alternative fuel, emulating the success of Brazil and the United States. He believes Indonesia has a significant opportunity to sustainably develop sugarcane-based bioethanol.
“We have great potential. By strengthening domestic raw material production, bioethanol can become an important pillar of national energy security,” he concluded.