By: Bambang Anggara)*
Energy self-sufficiency is a strategic agenda that serves as a key pillar in realizing national independence. When Indonesia’s energy needs are met from domestic resources, it not only reduces dependence on imports but also strengthens national resilience amid increasingly complex global dynamics. This step is crucial for reducing the trade deficit and expanding investment opportunities, both in efficient fossil fuels and in the development of sustainable renewable energy.
Energy independence not only impacts economic stability but also directly impacts public welfare. Energy infrastructure development encourages the creation of new jobs in various fields, from exploration and production to distribution and technological innovation. Thus, energy self-sufficiency serves a dual purpose: ensuring sustainable development while simultaneously driving the creation of broader and higher-quality job opportunities.
The government’s commitment to accelerating energy self-sufficiency is increasingly evident through concrete steps at the regulatory level. Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) is expediting the revision of the Electricity Law as part of President Prabowo Subianto’s ambitious vision of making Indonesia energy self-sufficient. This revision is aimed at strengthening regulations, expanding investment, and encouraging the accelerated use of new and renewable energy. An adaptive legal framework is believed to be a crucial foundation for accelerating equitable access to electricity while reducing dependence on imported energy.
Rokhmat Ardiyan, a member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), emphasized that the revised law concerns not only electricity supply but also distribution and efficient energy use. He stated that, in line with President Prabowo’s ideals, energy self-sufficiency is a crucial instrument for realizing national independence. Abundant domestic resources must be managed with proper governance to provide long-term benefits to the community. Equitable distribution, from Sabang to Merauke, is essential to ensuring electricity is a basic right that improves the people’s quality of life.
He added that regulations must be a concrete instrument that ensures reliable, affordable, and equitable electricity availability. With this foundation, inclusive economic growth can be achieved, cross-sector innovation encouraged, and job opportunities continue to expand. Energy independence, therefore, is not merely a technical achievement, but rather a path to equitable public welfare.
At the operational level, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are also moving quickly to strengthen their contribution to achieving energy self-sufficiency. PT PLN (Persero) is taking a strategic role by accelerating the development of Geothermal Power Plants (PLTP), which simultaneously supports the transition to clean energy. PLN’s Director of Project Management and New and Renewable Energy, Suroso Isnandar, stated that the direction of geothermal development has been outlined in the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) with a target capacity of 5.2 gigawatts (GW). This target demonstrates the government and PLN’s commitment to optimizing the vast geothermal potential spread across various regions.
Geothermal development not only provides a national electricity supply but also directly benefits surrounding communities. Geothermal power plants (PLTP) projects have been proven to boost local economies through job creation, community empowerment, and technology transfer. The energy produced is environmentally friendly while strengthening the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem. With this strategy, clean energy not only supports the global transition agenda but also reinforces Indonesia’s position as a country committed to green development.
To accelerate target realization, PLN is partnering with geothermal developers through a steam purchase agreement (SPA) scheme. This scheme creates investment certainty, strengthens project sustainability, and increases the energy sector’s attractiveness to domestic and international investors. PLN also ensures that all processes are carried out transparently, accountably, and in accordance with applicable regulations, thereby further maintaining public and investor trust.
Energy self-sufficiency means more than just a technical achievement or development target. It is a symbol of national independence and strengthens Indonesia’s position in the global arena. Amidst volatile global energy prices, Indonesia must no longer be merely a consumer but rather a self-sufficient and competitive producer. Energy self-sufficiency strengthens the country’s fiscal space, reduces the trade deficit, and increases investment attractiveness.
The job opportunities created by this major initiative should not be underestimated. Everyone from technical personnel to field operators, researchers, and energy technology innovators will have greater room to develop. This is a crucial asset in developing superior human resources ready to face the challenges of the global energy transition era. Thus, energy self-sufficiency contributes to the development of a more productive, innovative, and competitive Indonesian people.
Going forward, synergy between the government, parliament, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector will determine Indonesia’s pace of achieving energy independence. This vision is not just about providing electricity to homes, but also about fostering national confidence in determining its own development direction. Energy self-sufficiency is the path to sustainable economic growth, expanded job opportunities, and more equitable public welfare.
)* The author is an observer of development economics
