By: Naura Azkia
In facing the challenges of global climate change, limited fossil fuel reserves, and increasing national energy needs, the Indonesian government continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to maximizing renewable energy potential. This step is an important part of a long-term strategy towards energy self-sufficiency, a condition in which Indonesia can meet all its energy needs independently and sustainably without relying on energy imports from abroad.
As the largest archipelagic country in the world, Indonesia has enormous natural resource wealth. Various renewable energy potentials such as solar, wind, water, bioenergy, and geothermal energy are spread almost throughout the archipelago. However, so far the utilization of renewable energy has not been optimal.
Based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Indonesia’s renewable energy potential is estimated to reach more than 3,600 gigawatts. Unfortunately, of this potential, its utilization has only reached below 15 percent. This is a challenge as well as a great opportunity that must be maximized immediately in order to achieve energy independence.
The government is not remaining silent in facing this situation. In recent years, various strategic policies have been formulated to accelerate the development of renewable energy. One important milestone in this regard is the issuance of Presidential Regulation Number 112 of 2022 concerning the Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development for Electricity Supply. This regulation provides legal certainty while encouraging an investment climate in the renewable energy sector.
The government has also prepared a National Energy General Plan (RUEN) which targets a mix of new and renewable energy to reach 23 percent by 2025, and continue to increase to 31 percent by 2050. This target is indeed ambitious, but it is very necessary to realize a sovereign and sustainable energy future.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) emphasized that infrastructure development is the backbone of national progress, especially to support food, energy, and water self-sufficiency which are the priorities of President Prabowo Subianto.
In practice, the government’s efforts to accelerate the development of renewable energy are realized through various real programs. One concrete form of this commitment is the construction of rooftop solar power plants (PLTS) in various sectors, including households, industry, and public facilities. PLTS is the choice because of its increasingly competitive technology costs and ease of installation. In several regions, the government is also developing hydroelectric and microhydro power plants that are suitable for areas with abundant water flow potential, especially in remote and mountainous areas.
The President added that the inauguration of the Forel and Terubuk Oil Fields was the first in the oil and gas lifting sector during the new administration. He considered this inauguration as a real step towards national energy self-sufficiency.
However, the development of renewable energy is not a task that can be completed by the central government alone. The role of local governments is very important in recording local potential and encouraging community participation. On the other hand, the private sector is an inseparable strategic partner. Investment from energy industry players, both domestic and foreign, has begun to grow along with various incentives and facilities offered by the government. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and community is expected to create a healthy and sustainable renewable energy ecosystem.
It is important to understand that renewable energy is not just about technology or reducing carbon emissions. More than that, renewable energy development is about national resilience. Amidst the world’s uncertain geopolitical situation, such as international conflicts, spikes in global oil prices, or disruptions to the energy supply chain, Indonesia needs a robust and independent energy system. Renewable energy provides the answer to these challenges. The energy source is domestic, can be naturally renewed, and does not depend on external supplies. Thus, this nation can be more confident in maintaining economic stability and energy security.
Renewable energy also plays an important role in realizing social justice. There are still many areas of Indonesia, especially in remote and outermost areas, that do not enjoy equal access to electricity. Through the development of decentralized small-scale generators such as off-grid PLTS, microhydro, or household biogas, people in remote areas can enjoy access to clean, cheap, and reliable energy. Programs such as “Indonesia Terang” have become real steps for the government to reach areas that have so far been marginalizedrkan from the development of conventional energy infrastructure. By utilizing renewable energy, remote villages no longer have to wait for the construction of the PLN electricity network which is time-consuming and expensive.
Ultimately, the transformation towards renewable energy is not an option, but a necessity. Amidst global demands to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change, Indonesia has a great responsibility and opportunity to become a pioneer in the region. The steps that have been taken by the government are an important foundation towards a sustainable, sovereign, and equitable energy future for all people. Through a commitment that continues to be strengthened and collaboration involving all parties, the ideal of self-sufficiency in energy based on renewable energy is no longer just a dream, but an inevitability that is being realized together.
*) The author is an Energy Observer
