By: Citra Kurnia Khudori*
President Prabowo Subianto’s administration is targeting energy independence as part of its grand national development strategy. This effort is being implemented through increasing natural gas production and the sustainable development of renewable energy.
President Prabowo emphasized the importance of energy self-sufficiency to reduce dependence on imports. He believes that energy independence will strengthen national economic stability and support domestic industrial growth.
To achieve this target, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has prepared a strategy to increase natural gas production and develop renewable energy sources such as bioenergy.
Deputy Minister of ESDM, Yuliot Tanjung, stated that the Ministry is strengthening natural gas management to meet national energy needs more efficiently. Gas is considered a key factor in Indonesia’s energy diversification efforts.
This will not only reduce energy imports but also encourage the growth of the manufacturing industry and expand access to clean energy for the public. Yuliot continued, explaining that the current availability of domestic gas must be optimally utilized for the needs of domestic industry and the general public.
The government is currently expanding the development of household gas networks (jargas) in various regions. This project is expected to reach households in urban areas and small industries, thereby reducing dependence on imported LPG. With jargas, energy distribution is considered more efficient, affordable, and sustainable.
As a spearhead in the energy sector, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is also accelerating renewable energy programs, one of which is through the development of bioenergy. Slowly but surely, a biodiesel program, B40, has been implemented this year. Yuliot said that B50 will be implemented next year, as directed by President Prabowo.
The increase in biodiesel blending levels is expected to reduce crude oil imports while strengthening the domestic palm oil industry as a primary raw material supplier. Furthermore, the government is encouraging diesel fuel to be fully sourced from the national upstream industry to ensure a more independent and stable supply chain.
Oil and Gas Sector Performance
Gas is seen as a relatively clean fossil fuel, making it a strategic transition for future national energy development. In addition to a policy focus on accelerating renewable energy, the government also needs to ensure the oil and gas sector contributes maximally to energy independence.
As a source of optimism regarding the target of increasing natural gas production going forward, Pertamina EP Cepu’s performance in 2024 is commendable. Gas production increased 27 percent compared to the previous year.
PEPC President Director Muhamad Arifin stated that 2024 marked an important milestone in the company’s history. The Jambaran-Tiung Biru (JTB) Gas Unitization Field has successfully obtained place-in-service (PIS) approval.
With a full production capacity of 192 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, JTB supplies energy to East and Central Java, regions that are highly dependent on gas supplies. As of September 2025, gas absorption from the field reached approximately 125 million standard cubic feet per day, with PLN, PKG, and the household gas network as its primary customers.
In terms of governance, PEPC also achieved impressive results. Operations without a work accident, with over 67 million safe hours, are important indicators of the implementation of safety standards.
Renewable Energy Sources Ideal for Indonesia
On the other hand, the renewable energy sector is a primary focus for achieving sustainable energy self-sufficiency. Indonesia has abundant green energy potential, such as geothermal, solar, and hydro.
The government also believes that diversifying energy sources will be key to achieving self-sufficiency. The more energy sources utilized, the stronger the foundation of national independence.
Pertamina EP Junior Production Engineer, Rezha Aditya Pratama, stated that biodiesel is a transitional solution, alongside solar, geothermal, and electric vehicles. He believes that the blending of biodiesel can keep the economy running while allowing time to develop truly clean energy sources.
He also explained that the future of biodiesel in Indonesia is bright if palm oil remains abundant and prices are stable. Indonesia could eventually move to B50 or even B100. Rezha is optimistic that the implementation of B40 is one step in the long journey toward clean and independent energy.
Other renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, are also considered ideal renewable energy sources for Indonesia. Team Leader Geophysics TeRobert Reeves, a professor at Earth Sciences New Zealand, believes Indonesia’s geothermal potential is enormous. The geothermal potential is equivalent to 23.7 GW, or around 40 percent of the global total.
Reeves observed the Blawan Ijen geothermal potential, managed by PT Medco Cahaya Geothermal, in mid-September 2025 and assured that significant progress has been made in Indonesia.
He stated that Indonesia has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable geothermal development. If managed carefully, geothermal energy has advantages over other energy sources, such as providing consistent baseload power, having a relatively small land footprint, producing very low emissions, and the potential for utilization by secondary industries.
Thus, energy self-sufficiency is not only about meeting domestic needs, but also about building a self-sufficient future. With abundant resources and the right policies, Indonesia has a great opportunity to achieve this.
)* The author is an observer of socio-economic issues
