The government has spent the last decade working to accelerate the energy transition and achieve sustainable self-sufficiency. This effort includes boosting the use of new and renewable energy (EBT) sources, such as hydro, solar, geothermal, and wind power. The renewable energy mix, or green energy, is expected to reach 23 percent this year. Indonesia aspires to achieve zero net emissions by 2060.

The Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming administration is moving on with the energy transition agenda. Along with the 100-day performance milestone of the Merah Putih (Red and White) Cabinet, President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia, inaugurated 37 strategic electricity projects centered at the Jatigede Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) in Sumedang, West Java, on Monday, Jan. 20.

“We have abundant natural resources. We now have the ability to carry out this transformation. For that reason, I believe we are now one of the countries in the world that may be among the most advanced in the field of energy transformation into renewable energy, clean energy, and green energy that reduces carbon emissions,” said President Prabowo.

This national strategic energy project consists of 26 power plants spread across 18 provinces in Indonesia. The President also inaugurated the construction of 11 transmission projects spanning 739.71 kilometers and substations with a capacity of 1,740 MVA. The total project value amounts to Rp72 trillion.

These electricity projects, with a total capacity of over 3.2 Gigawatts (GW), are designed to electrify hundreds of thousands of homes and reduce emissions by more than 1 million tons of CO2 per year.

In his remarks, President Prabowo stated that the electricity projects inaugurated today are the product of the Indonesian people’s efforts. He is confident that Indonesia will achieve energy self-sufficiency soon.

“With our capabilities, I believe we will be able to attain energy self-sufficiency soon. Therefore, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to all, including to those who are present at the 26 locations (of the inauguration),” said the Head of State.

Clean Energy Power Plants

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia explained that 89 percent of the 26 power plants inaugurated are clean energy based such as gas, mini-hydro, geothermal, and solar power.

One inaugurated electricity project is the Jatigede Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA). This power plant, which hosted the strategic electricity project inauguration, was built at the Jatigede Dam in Sumedang Regency. As a key project in the energy infrastructure acceleration program, this plant has a capacity of 110 MW (2x55 MW). It can electrify more than 71,923 homes, reduce CO2 emissions by 415,800 tons annually, and employ 485 local workers.

Another inaugurated project is the Asahan III Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has a capacity of 174 MW (2x87 MW) and is located upstream of the Asahan River in Toba Samosir Regency, North Sumatra. The Asahan III PLTA is expected to electrify more than 113,769 homes and reduce CO2 emissions by 688,610 tons annually. The construction of this clean energy power plant employed 1,952 local workers and involved local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This project has been designated a National Strategic Project for Indonesia's renewable energy development and is recognized as the fastest Hydroelectric Power Plant construction project.

In addition to the two integrated hydroelectric power plants, the President inaugurated the Solar Power Plant (PLTS) in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), supporting 100 percent green energy in IKN. This PLTS has a capacity of 50 MW Alternating Current (MWac) or 72-megawatt Peak (MWp) and is equipped with a 10.32 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

This solar power plant is designed to support the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) peak load of 7—10 MW, ensuring the sustainability of clean energy supply for the IKN area and the Kalimantan interconnection system. During its construction, the solar power plant employed 502 local workers and involved various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) surrounding the project site. The PLTS can generate 92.8 Gigawatt Hours (GWh) of green energy annually and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 44,000 tons annually.

The State-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) currently manages 72—75 GW of the total available supply of 101 GW. Among the power plants managed by PLN, 15—16 percent use renewable energy sources. As a result, there is still an 8 percent shortfall from the target renewable energy mix of 23 percent set for 2025.

Meanwhile, Darmawan Prasodjo, President and Director of PT PLN (Persero), emphasized PLN's commitment to managing reliable electricity infrastructure.

“We ensure that the electricity supply generated by these projects can be distributed optimally to support community activities and the industrial sector,” he explained.

Writer: Kristantyo Wisnubroto

Editors: Taofiq Rauf/Siti Chodijah

Translator: Wisnu Wardoyo