Ahead of Pragib’s First Anniversary, Government Secures Academic Support to Achieve Energy Self-Sufficiency
Jakarta – As the first anniversary of the administration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka (PRAGIB) approaches, the government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), continues to receive support from various groups, including academics, in achieving national energy self-sufficiency.
Professor of Economics at the Islamic University of Bandung (Unisba), Prof. Ima Amaliah, assessed the government’s move through the energy self-sufficiency program as a strategic policy that should have long been on the national agenda across governments.
“The energy self-sufficiency program is the right step, and it should be on the national agenda across governments,” said Ima.
She emphasized the importance of the current momentum amidst the challenges of global climate change and Indonesia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Therefore, the transformation to clean energy such as bioethanol is part of a global obligation,” she added.
The policy of using ethanol in fuel oil (BBM), or E10, initiated by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, has also received praise from various parties. Prof. Tri Yus Widjajanto from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) assessed that technically, ethanol fuel is safe and efficient.
“Ethanol from sugar cane, corn, or cassava is not only environmentally friendly but also strengthens the domestic energy supply chain,” explained Tri.
He stated that if ethanol is managed properly, Indonesia can reduce its dependence on fuel imports, which currently account for more than 45 percent of national needs.
Meanwhile, public policy observer from Padjadjaran University, Yogi Suprayogi Sugandi, views the community oil well policy and the involvement of local cooperatives as approaches that can strengthen the regional economy.
“If local communities can collaborate with community organizations or cooperatives, that can strengthen the regional economy,” he said.
However, Yogi emphasized the importance of protecting communities from becoming proxies for large corporations. He also emphasized the importance of governance reform and regulatory simplification to ensure the energy transition is not hampered.
Previously, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil confirmed that the government had approved the mandatory 10 percent ethanol blending in fuel as a concrete step to reduce emissions and dependence on imports.
“Last night we had a meeting with the President. The President has approved the planned 10 percent ethanol blending,” Bahlil said. **
[edRW]
