YOGYAKARTA- Energy sector is an important and strategic sector. But unfortunately, as the demand for energy increases, its management is still considered not yet optimal and often still favors foreign’s interests. In addition, the current use of energy still seems to be not efficient yet.
"Our needs for energy continue to increase, but their utilization is still showing signs of inefficiency," said the head of the UGM Electrical Engineering Department, Ir. Tumiran, M. Eng., Ph.D., in the Seminar Energy Management for National Added Value which was held in UGM Ghra Sabha Pramana (GSP), Friday (11/3). The event initiated by Alumni Association of Gadjah Mada University (Kagama) was opened by Vice Rector for Alumni and Business Development, Prof. Ir. Atyanto Dharoko, M. Phil., Ph.D. The seminar was also attended by Kagama’s representatives from several areas, such as Banyumas and Kebumen.
According to Tumiran, the reliance on fossil energy in Indonesia, particularly oil, is also still high whereas the possibility of developing new and renewable energy, such as geothermal energy resources, water, biofuel, wind, sun (solar cell), biomass, and coal bed methane (CBM) is quite open.
This condition is different in other countries, for example, China is quite successful in the management and utilization of energy. Tumiran exemplifies the use of electric-based vehicles in China to reduce the amount of use of fossil energy fuel. "Moreover, there is no guarantee that the energy stocks will always be available. Not to mention about our weak energy infrastructure," said Tumiran who also serves as a member of the National Energy Board (DEN).
Tumiran said that energy is strongly associated with economic development and growth. Here in Indonesia, we could see the gap in economic growth and development condition between Java and outside Java. The real evidence is that currently around 50% of regions outside Java have no electricity installation. As a result, the industry is difficult to grow optimally in there. “Production and industrialization added value depends on the supply of electricity, therefore we support the government to be more prudent in the management of energy," said Tumiran.
Meanwhile, Austria’s Honorary Consul in Yogyakarta, Sugiharto Sulaiman, said the energy in Indonesia was not going to run out. However, this nation expects to run out of the ideas to be able to continue to find energy sources. Sugiharto also agreed for energy management in Indonesia to be carried out with ‘conscience’ rather than prioritizing political affairs.
In Indonesia, currently there are at least 118 exploration and production areas scattered in 150 regencies/cities. Almost in line with Tumiran, Sugiharto also regretted that most of Indonesian non-renewable energy sources are controlled by foreigners and the results are exported. At the same time, this country also imports these goods. "Renewable energy sources are not well developed, while on the other hand non-renewable energy sources are valued at market prices," said Sugiharto.
Therefore, Sugiharto proposed some alternative solutions, namely to impede further exploitation and to use energy sufficiently. In addition, the exploitation should be done by national companies and energy prices are determined by the state. "National companies should play a role in the exploitation and exploration in the interests of the nation," he concluded.