The Contribution of Renewable Energy Utilization as Indonesia’s Strong Commitment Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency
Jakarta – The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency by utilizing new and renewable energy (NRE) as a key pillar in the transformation of the national energy sector.
President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphasized the urgent need to reduce dependence on imported energy and prioritized the acceleration of renewable energy development to ensure the nation’s energy sovereignty.
“Our renewable energy potential is extraordinary—our geothermal potential is immense, hydropower is vast, and we also have significant potential from wind and ocean waves,” he stated.
President Prabowo also declared Indonesia’s ambitious target of reaching net zero emissions before 2050. The strategy includes decommissioning coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) within the next 15 years, achieving a full transition to renewable energy within 10 years, and realizing national electricity self-sufficiency.
As a concrete step, PT PLN (Persero), in collaboration with regional governments, continues to expand initiatives in clean energy power plant development. One of the latest breakthroughs is the partnership between PLN and the Gayo Lues Regency Government in Aceh to develop the region’s hydro energy potential. The natural conditions of Gayo Lues are considered highly favorable for the development of small- and medium-scale hydropower plants.
PLN’s Director of Transmission and System Planning, Evy Haryadi, welcomed the cooperation as a form of cross-sector synergy and a tangible effort to accelerate the energy transition towards achieving Net Zero Emissions.
“We welcome this hydro power plant development initiative and state that any interested investors will be received with open arms—of course, with due consideration to environmental sustainability, including protection of watershed areas,” said Evy.
Similarly, General Manager of PLN’s Aceh Distribution Unit (UID), Mundhakir, described the partnership as a national pilot project for the development of Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTA), Micro Hydro Power Plants (PLTMH), and Pico Hydro Power Plants (PLTPH). He emphasized the importance of optimizing regional assets for the advancement of environmentally friendly energy.
“This MoU is a strategic step to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, enhance local energy independence, and support carbon emission reduction targets. We hope this project serves as a model for renewable energy development in other regions across Indonesia,” said Mundhakir.
The government’s concrete actions—including active partnerships with state-owned enterprises and local governments—demonstrate that the energy transition is no longer just a vision, but has entered the implementation phase. With support from all stakeholders, energy self-sufficiency based on renewable energy is not a distant dream, but a future that is being built today.
