State-Owned Enterprise Synergy Accelerates Government Efforts to Achieve Energy Self-Sufficiency
By: Rendra Adiputra *)
Improving national energy security is one of the government’s primary focuses in maintaining economic independence and supporting sustainable development. Amidst challenges in the energy sector, synergy between State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) plays a strategic role in accelerating the realization of energy self-sufficiency. This collaboration not only ensures a reliable energy supply but also supports the operations of critical sectors such as oil and gas, the backbone of national production.
The Executive Director of the Center for Energy Security Studies for Sustainable Development at the University of Indonesia, Ali Ahmudi, emphasized the importance of a reliable electricity supply as the primary power source for equipment in the oil and gas fields. He assessed that the provision of stable electricity plays a vital role in maintaining national oil lifting, so that production operations remain optimal. One concrete example is PLN’s commitment to providing electricity supply to the Rokan Working Area (WK) in Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province, which is managed by Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR). The Rokan WK is currently one of the largest oil fields in Indonesia, so the reliability of the electricity supply in this region contributes directly to national energy security.
Ali emphasized that synergy between state-owned enterprises, particularly between PLN and Pertamina, accelerates energy self-sufficiency. This collaboration is reflected in the Power Purchase Agreement (PJTBL) agreement between PLN, PHR, and PT PLN Mandau Cipta Tenaga Nusantara (MCTN) to supply long-term electricity to the Rokan Working Area. The implementation of this plan is gradual, starting from the supply of 100 MVA from the Sumatra system—70 MVA high-voltage connections in Balam and Petapahan targeted for COD in October 2027, and 30 MVA medium-voltage connections in Dumai and Rumbai with COD in October 2026. In addition, the electricity supply facility will be equipped with a converter with a total capacity of 175 MW (210 MVA), strengthening the energy infrastructure in the production area.
This effort demonstrates the government’s commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency. Ali emphasized that increasing electricity capacity to 300 MVA in the Rokan Block is projected to increase national oil lifting and accelerate the achievement of energy independence. He believes that synergy between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is an effective strategy, combining resources, technology, and the experience of state institutions to support the national agenda.
Beyond operational aspects, the financial performance of state-owned energy companies is also a crucial driver for accelerating investment in the government’s priority sectors. Abra Talattov, Head of the Center for Food, Energy, and Sustainable Development at INDEF, emphasized that the profitability of state-owned companies demonstrates their ability to perform dual functions: maintaining business profitability while simultaneously serving the public interest. PLN, for example, has recorded positive performance for years, with revenue reaching Rp 281 trillion in the first half of 2025, up from Rp 262 trillion in the same period the previous year. Electricity sales contributed Rp 179.58 trillion, a 4.53 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Abra assessed that PLN’s financial management remains healthy, as evidenced by a debt-to-asset ratio below 50 percent and a debt-to-equity ratio of 69.1 percent. This condition not only confirms business stability but also opens up space for the state-owned enterprise to make significant investments in the renewable energy sector and infrastructure digitalization. He believes that strong profits are crucial capital for the government to expand energy access, increase efficiency, and drive national energy transformation.
The transformation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has been further strengthened by the ratification of the Fourth Amendment to Law Number 19 of 2003, which officially became a new law at the Plenary Session of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Thursday (2/10/2025). This regulation marks the transformation of the Ministry of SOEs into the BUMN Regulatory Agency (BP BUMN) with broader authority in managing state-owned enterprises. Member of Commission VI of the DPR RI, Kawendra Lukistian, welcomed this step as an important part of SOE governance reform. He emphasized that the new law encourages transparency, accountability, and professionalism, while ensuring that state-owned enterprises are oriented towards the interests of the people.
Several strategic provisions in this law include a ban on ministerial officials holding dual positions on the board of directors or commissioners of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the management of Series A Dwiwarna shares, which requires presidential approval, and guarantees of gender equality in leadership. Kawendra emphasized that the law demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving SOE governance, with the goal of establishing healthy, efficient business practices that contribute significantly to national development.
The synergy between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) also supports the government’s energy transition agenda. By combining a strengthened electricity supply, sound financial performance, and governance reform, SOEs are able to provide reliable energy while simultaneously opening up investment opportunities in renewable energy. This aligns with national priorities to increase clean energy capacity, reduce dependence on imports, and accelerate the achievement of energy self-sufficiency.
Overall, the synergy between state-owned enterprises demonstrates that strategic integration between state-owned enterprises, financial support, and good governance can accelerate the achievement of energy self-sufficiency. This effort not only strengthens national resilience but also demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing the energy sector while sustainably improving public welfare. With measured steps and cross-institutional collaboration, Indonesia is on the right track toward stronger and more sustainable energy independence.
*) Energy and Environmental Policy Observer
