By: Anindya Puteri*
The Indonesian Government’s commitment to realizing national energy self-sufficiency is not just rhetoric, but has entered a phase of real and strategic implementation. President Prabowo Subianto, in the inauguration of the first production of the Forel and Terubuk Oil Fields in Natuna, emphasized that energy self-sufficiency is an absolute requirement for the independence and sovereignty of the nation. This is not just an exploration project or an increase in production capacity, but a fundamental step in building the foundation of national independence amidst global dynamics full of uncertainty.
This government move shows full awareness that dependence on imported energy not only burdens the trade balance, but also weakens Indonesia’s bargaining power in the international arena. By saving tens of billions of US dollars from reducing energy imports, Indonesia not only maintains the country’s foreign exchange, but also opens up wider fiscal space for economic development and people’s welfare. As President Prabowo said, hundreds of trillions of rupiah that previously flowed abroad can now be diverted to domestic needs, strengthening the national economy, and creating a domino effect for other strategic sectors.
The first production from the Forel and Terubuk Oil Fields is an important symbol in Indonesia’s efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency. This is the first inauguration in the oil and gas lifting sector under the new government, and is a historic milestone that marks a new chapter in national energy security. The gradual increase in oil lifting to a target of 1 million barrels per day in 2029 shows a structured and ambitious plan. President Prabowo does not only talk about numerical targets, but also encourages fundamental transformation in mastery of technology and independence of human resources.
The success of this project cannot be separated from the hard work of various parties, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), SKK Migas, and national companies such as Medco Energi. The high level of domestic components (TKDN) approaching 100 percent is concrete evidence that the nation’s children are able to master and run oil and gas industry technology with high standards. This is a strong message that technological independence is an important pillar for the future of Indonesian energy.
Head of SKK Migas, Djoko Siswanto, emphasized the oil and gas lifting target of 1.61 million BOEPD in 2025, through various strategies such as well stimulation, reactivation of idle fields, and the application of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technology. These efforts show that the government is not only oriented towards exploitation, but also pays attention to efficiency, sustainability, and optimization of existing resources.
However, energy self-sufficiency is not just about oil and gas. The government has also shown serious attention to new and renewable energy (EBT) as part of a long-term strategy. President Director of PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SGN), Mahmudi, said that the use of sugarcane molasses as a raw material for bioethanol is a real step by the industry in supporting national energy security. This initiative is in line with the direction of government policy in energy diversification, as well as being a sustainable solution for the environment and local economy.
The bioethanol plant integrated with the Gempolkrep Sugar Factory in Mojokerto is an example of how industrial integration can create efficiency, increase product added value, and create a sustainable business model. The production of 30,000 kiloliters of fuel grade ethanol per year from this facility is a significant contribution in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Energy cost savings of up to 7 percent of total production demonstrate the real efficiency of this synergistic approach.
On the regulatory side, the government has also shown its commitment through Presidential Regulation Number 40 of 2023 concerning the Acceleration of National Sugar Self-Sufficiency and Provision of Bioethanol as Biofuel. This regulation is a strong legal basis to encourage investment and innovation in the bioethanol sector. Mahmudi emphasized that conducive regulatory support and fiscal incentives are key to the growth of the renewable energy industry in Indonesia. Collaboration between the government and the industrial world is an important foundation in accelerating the achievement of energy self-sufficiency.
President Prabowo also reminded that mastery of technology and energy independence will make Indonesia a nation that is not easily disturbed by foreign powers. Energy security is not only about the availability of resources, but also about the dignity and self-respect of the nation. Technicians, engineers, and oil and gas and bioethanol field workers are energy heroes who guard the country’s sovereignty from within. They work not only for production, but for the sustainability of the future of an independent and competitive nation.
This energy self-sufficiency policy is also a strategic response to global challenges such as the energy crisis, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change. By building a resilient and sustainable energy system, Indonesia positions itself as a major player in the global energy game while providing long-term protection for its people from fluctuations in world energy prices.
The government through this real commitment shows that energy self-sufficiency is a national mission that requires hard work together. President Prabowo, firmly, has directed a vision and real steps towards comprehensive energy independence. With collaboration between government, industry, and society, and supported by mastery of technology and superior human resources, the ideal of energy self-sufficiency is no longer just a dream, but is being built day by day with a solid foundation. This is a joint struggle towards a strong, sovereign, and prosperous Indonesia.
*The author is a freelance journalist in the field of energy and environment.
