Energy Self-Sufficiency Becomes a Core Mission of National Policy Toward Golden Indonesia 2045
JAKARTA – Indonesia’s commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency is becoming increasingly solid as an integral part of the nation’s grand mission toward Golden Indonesia 2045. A sovereign and just national energy policy is no longer merely a technocratic discourse; it has been embraced as an ideological vision grounded in the constitution and the founding ideals of independence.
Member of Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Dewi Yustisiana, emphasized that energy self-sufficiency must be the central mission embedded in every national energy policy.
“If we want to become a developed country by 2045, then we must stand on the foundation of energy that is independent, just, and sovereign,” Dewi stated.
According to her, dependence on energy imports poses a latent threat to national sovereignty. Therefore, building energy independence is the path to Indonesia’s resurgence. Dewi also praised Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, for adopting an ideological approach by placing energy within a constitutional framework.
“Minister Bahlil brings a deeper perspective to policy formulation. He consistently highlights the importance of the constitution and social justice in shaping national energy direction,” Dewi explained.
She noted that this aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of national development based on sovereignty and justice. Energy, she stressed, is not merely a commodity or technical matter—it is a matter of people’s rights and a strategic asset of the nation.
“With this approach, energy policy is no longer just technocratic. It touches the core aspirations of independence: justice and public welfare,” she added.
Concrete efforts toward energy self-sufficiency are also evident across multiple fronts. State electricity company PLN (Persero) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gayo Lues Regency Government in Aceh to develop Micro Hydro Power Plants (PLTMH).
PLN’s Director of Transmission and System Planning, Evy Haryadi, described the partnership as part of the national energy transition and a long-term strategy to achieve net-zero emissions.
“We welcome the initiative to build hydro power plants. Interested investors are encouraged to participate, provided environmental sustainability is prioritized,” said Evy.
PLN UID Aceh General Manager, Mundhakir, stated that Gayo Lues has identified 16 potential sites for PLTMH development, with three priority locations already in the planning stage.
“This effort will boost local energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels,” said Evy.
Meanwhile, the upstream oil and gas sector is also showing strong momentum. PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) has recorded a 37% annual increase in exploration over the past three years. Economist and researcher from Pasundan University, Acuviarta Kartabi, views this trend as highly promising for both energy self-sufficiency and national economic growth.
“This surge in exploration not only supports energy self-sufficiency, but also boosts investor confidence in the mining and oil & gas sectors,” Acuviarta stated.
He emphasized the importance of pro-investment policies, arguing that streamlining regulations and licensing processes is crucial to ensuring exploration can proceed efficiently. This aligns with President Prabowo’s call at the 2025 IPA Convention and Exhibition to accelerate investments in the oil and gas sector.
Through these measured and strategic efforts, Indonesia is steadily advancing toward energy self-sufficiency as a fundamental prerequisite for realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. Energy is no longer seen merely as an economic resource, but as a vital instrument of social justice, national sovereignty, and public prosperity.
(Press release)
