By: Seruni Puspita Laras)*
Energy security is one of the important pillars in maintaining the sustainability of a country’s development. Indonesia, as a country with a large population and a growing economy, faces major challenges in terms of dependence on energy imports. Therefore, the commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency is the main key to ensuring national energy security in the future.
Energy self-sufficiency does not only mean meeting domestic energy needs, but also ensuring the sustainability of energy supplies that can support stable economic growth. Indonesia, with its abundant natural resource potentials, has a great opportunity to reduce dependence on energy imports, especially fossil fuels, and switch to environmentally friendly renewable energy sources.
President Director of PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara (SGN), Mahmudi, said that giving support to energy security through the production of molasses as a raw material for bioethanol deserves appreciation. In the context of the ongoing energy transition, the use of bioethanol as a new renewable energy (EBT) is a strategic step to reduce dependence on fossil energy and create energy sustainability in Indonesia.
Sugarcane molasses, or mollasses , is often considered a waste product of the sugar production process, but is now increasingly recognized as a potential raw material for bioethanol. Bioethanol itself is a fuel made from organic materials that are renewable and environmentally friendly. By using sugarcane molasses, SGN not only optimizes existing natural resources, but also contributes to Indonesia’s efforts to achieve the target of a clean energy transition.
The Indonesian government has set various policies to achieve energy self-sufficiency, one of which is through the renewable energy development program. The development of renewable energy infrastructure such as solar, wind, water, and bioenergy power plants is increasingly being encouraged. This is in line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change. The use of renewable energy will also help reduce dependence on fossil fuels that are vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
Acting Director General of Oil and Gas (Migas) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Dadan Kusdiana, stated that his ministry’s support for the Asta Cita program of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, especially in terms of achieving energy self-sufficiency and downstreaming, shows the government’s seriousness in facing the challenges of national energy security. This support provides a positive signal that the government is focusing on developing a more independent and sustainable energy sector.
Energy security is one of the most important aspects for the sustainability of a country’s development. Indonesia, as a developing country, faces major challenges in terms of dependence on energy imports, which of course can increase the trade balance deficit and increase the country’s economic risk. Therefore, the energy self-sufficiency program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto is one of the initiatives that deserves serious attention. This program aims to reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported energy and encourage the use of domestic energy potential more optimally.
The government’s efforts to strengthen energy security also involve diversifying energy sources. In addition to fossil fuels, which are still the backbone of Indonesia’s energy supply, renewable and nuclear energy are starting to be considered as alternatives that can support future energy needs. The government has allocated a large budget for research and development of renewable energy technology, so that it can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Success in achieving energy self-sufficiency does not only depend on government policies, but also involves the participation of the community, the private sector, and all elements of the nation. Education about the importance of efficient and sustainable energy use needs to be continuously encouraged. A society that is aware of the importance of energy conservation can contribute to reducing the national energy burden.
Denny S. Adji, Corporate Secretary of IFG, said that food security is the foundation of national independence. This statement is very relevant, considering that food security is not only about the availability of food, but also economic and social stability. When farmers are protected from the risks they face, they will be able to continue producing more stably and efficiently, which in turn contributes to the guaranteed availability of food in the market. Protection for farmers can also encourage them to innovate and increase productivity without worrying about losing income due to unexpected risks.
Furthermore, the protection program provided by IFG not only provides a financial safety net for farmers, but also strengthens the resilience of the agricultural sector itself. This is a much-needed step amidst the major challenges faced by the sector, such as climate change, soil degradation, and limited agricultural technology that can increase production.
Strong national energy security will not only support economic growth, but also maintain Indonesia’s sovereignty on the global stage. With energy self-sufficiency, Indonesia can reduce the risk of energy supply disruptions from abroad and rely more on local potential. Through a strong commitment to the development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and diversification of energy sources, Indonesia’s energy security in the future will be increasingly assured.
In this way, the commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency becomes a strategic step that not only supports national energy security, but also supports Indonesia’s vision to become a more independent and sustainable country.
)*The author is the Field Coordinator for Renewable Energy Resources Exploration – Nusantara GeoEnergi Lestari
