Government Focuses on Renewable Energy Development to Achieve National Energy Self-Sufficiency
JAKARTA – The Indonesian government continues to strengthen its efforts towards national energy independence by focusing on the development of new and renewable energy (NRE) as part of its energy self-sufficiency program. This step not only aims to strengthen energy security but also supports the government’s Net Zero Emissions (NZE) target.
This commitment was affirmed at the 41st Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) Council Meeting in Labuan Bajo. Through this forum, PT PLN (Persero) reaffirmed its role as a key driver of the green energy transition in the Southeast Asian region, particularly through the development of the ASEAN Power Grid.
PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, explained that a major transformation is underway to achieve sustainable energy self-sufficiency. “We have been tasked by the government to provide affordable and reliable energy, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With affordable energy, we can attract investment, create jobs, and improve people’s welfare,” he said.
Darmawan explained that by 2034, Indonesia will add 69.5 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity, with 76 percent of this coming from renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and geothermal. Although the national renewable energy potential is enormous, its development still faces geographical challenges, such as the remote location of resources from electricity demand centers.
As a solution, Indonesia is promoting regional cooperation through the ASEAN interconnected electricity grid, which enables energy exchange between countries. “We cannot go it alone. Collaboration across countries, across technologies, and across investments is the key to success,” Darmawan emphasized.
In addition to PLN, the private sector also plays a crucial role in supporting the national green energy agenda. PT Berkat Cawan Group, through its subsidiaries PT Berkat Cawan Energi and PT Berkat Cawan Milenial, is developing two major hydroelectric power plants (PLTA) in Sukabumi and Cianjur, West Java, with a total capacity of 174 MW.
On the downstream side, the company is also committed to building 7,000 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (SPKLU) throughout Indonesia. This effort represents a concrete step in building an integrated clean energy ecosystem, from power generation to transportation.
With synergy between the government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector, Indonesia is affirming its strategic direction toward renewable energy-based energy self-sufficiency. This transformation is not only a milestone in national energy independence but also a strong commitment to a green and sustainable future for future generations.
