By: Elmira R. Kusuma*)
The Indonesian government, which will be led by Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, has demonstrated its readiness to face environmental challenges with a strong commitment. Indonesia, a country with abundant natural resources, has great potential to support global economic growth. However, this potential must be managed wisely to avoid excessive exploitation that threatens environmental sustainability. Therefore, the Prabowo-Gibran government is committed to taking strategic steps to protect natural resources and implement the principles of sustainable development.
One of the main agendas in the Prabowo-Gibran government is the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This change is not only aimed at reducing Indonesia’s dependence on energy sources that produce high emissions, but also to support the sustainability of the national economy. The government has shown its readiness to accelerate this transition by utilizing various renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and water.
Accelerating the renewable energy transition could create more than one million green jobs by 2050, while supporting inclusive and environmentally friendly economic growth. The Prabowo-Gibran government is ready to tap into this potential by developing policies that prioritize renewable energy infrastructure development.
The government has also prepared a roadmap for early retirement of Steam Power Plants (PLTU). PLTUs that use fossil fuels are considered no longer relevant in the vision of sustainable development. Replacing PLTUs with renewable energy will provide major economic benefits and accelerate the reduction of national carbon emissions.
This energy transition policy is also one of the government’s steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Indonesia, as one of the countries vulnerable to climate change, has a great responsibility to contribute to global efforts to keep the earth’s temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Prabowo-Gibran government is ready to face this challenge by strengthening regulations and policies related to renewable energy.
The Prabowo-Gibran government is not only focused on developing renewable energy, but also on developing a broader green economy. One of the strategic steps taken is empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing community-based renewable energy.
The government will provide financing incentives to MSMEs and cooperatives participating in renewable energy projects. This step will not only support local economic growth but also increase energy security at the community level. With the involvement of MSMEs in renewable energy projects, the government hopes to create new jobs and improve community welfare.
In addition, the government is also committed to ensuring that every investment in the renewable energy sector complies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The government will ensure that ESG aspects are a primary requirement in every renewable energy project funded by local and international investors.
In this energy transition process, the Prabowo-Gibran government is very concerned about the social impacts that may occur. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy can cause major changes in the workforce sector, especially for people working in the conventional energy sector. Therefore, the government has prepared a social protection program that will protect workers affected by the early retirement of PLTU and other changes in the energy sector.
The government is ready to provide training programs for affected workers, so they can switch to jobs in the renewable energy sector. In addition, the government will also create new environmentally friendly jobs to ensure that no community is left behind in this transition process.
Indra Sari Wardani, Acting Director of the Indonesian Coaction Program, said that a sustainable energy transition will open up opportunities for green economic growth and more inclusive job creation. By harnessing the potential of renewable energy, the government can create a better future for the people of Indonesia, where a growing economy is in line with environmental sustainability.
In addition to focusing on the development of renewable energy and social protection domestically, the Prabowo-Gibran government has also shown its readiness to collaborate with the international community on environmental issues. The government will continue to participate in international forums and establish partnerships with other countries that share a similar vision regarding renewable energy and sustainability.
ADB Vice President Scott Morris said he hoped to continue cooperation on the energy transition program in Indonesia during the new administration under Prabowo Subianto.
The Prabowo-Gibran government is ready to face global challenges related to the environment and climate change. By prioritizing the renewable energy transition, building an inclusive green economy, and providing social protection for affected communities, the government is demonstrating its commitment to creating a better future for Indonesia.
Collaboration with various global stakeholders and the implementation of policies that support sustainability are strategic steps that will lead Indonesia to a greener direction. By preserving natural resources and involving the community in development, the Prabowo-Gibran government is ready to realize the vision of a sustainable environment and a prosperous economy for all people.
*)The author is a public policy observer from the Nawasena Research Institute
