Energy expert and Head of the Engineering Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) at UGM, Dr. Tumiran, was inaugurated as a professor of power and energy systems on Tuesday (October 31).
During his inauguration ceremony, he delivered a speech titled “The Electricity Sector Becomes the Backbone of Energy Transition and Resilience.”
“The increasing energy demands have spurred global competition and influence to access energy resources,” he said.
“As we entered the late 20th century, the power struggles and access to energy resources have influenced the dominance of a country by superpowers, resulting in casualties and the destruction of the social fabric of the defeated nation.”
He elaborated that the modernization of human life, supported by massive industrial growth, international business, and rapid advancements in the transportation sector, has altered the landscape of global energy utilization.
Climate change has now become one of the world’s most significant challenges, including for Indonesia.
According to him, the global community is conscious of the need to shift away from dependence on dirty fossil fuels and maximize clean and renewable energy sources.
This transition cannot happen suddenly but requires a lengthy process through an energy transition.
“We are thankful that the impact of climate change has awakened scientists and world leaders to take significant strategic steps in synergy to protect the planet from ongoing damage,” Professor Tumiran said.
“The Paris Agreement, established in 2015, has set various strategic steps as a foundation to accelerate the reduction of fossil-fuel use through energy transition.”
National energy transition commitments, aligned with Government Regulation No. 79 of 2014, are expected, according to Tumiran, to stimulate a new economy in the field of new and renewable energy through technology mastery driven by the industrial sector with robust and practical research support.
With the growth of the new and renewable energy industry, it is hoped that employment opportunities will be created.
On this occasion, he called upon academics to learn from countries that have successfully developed new and renewable energy with independent technology and a strong industry.
“Often, we introduce concepts and ideas that have not been academically tested, so what is planned always remains in discourses that are difficult to achieve,” he said.
“I urge friends entrusted as decision-makers in accelerating this energy transition not to underestimate the capabilities of our nation but to design regulations that are integrative so that the independence of this nation can be promptly realized in the energy sector.”
The electricity sector, which he believes can support the strengthening of domestic industries, the acceleration of new and renewable energy technology dominance, and the creation of productive new and renewable energy job opportunities, is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of a green economy.
Therefore, making the national electricity industry grow into a healthy industry is a prerequisite that must be achieved through various integrative and comprehensive policies.
Author: Gloria
Photographer: Firsto