Energy independence is one of the key goals set by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto. This vision of energy independence focuses on reducing import dependence, managing domestic resources, strengthening infrastructure, eradicating corruption within state-owned energy enterprises, and achieving fuel self-sufficiency within the next five years.
Responding to this target, UGM expert in Renewable Energy Systems and Planning and Energy Expert Staff at the Presidential Staff Office of the Republic of Indonesia (2019-2024), Dr. Ahmad Agus Setiawan, stated that Indonesia’s current energy independence development program is uncertain between continued reliance on fossil fuels and entering a new era of renewable energy use.
“The challenge lies in ensuring that tactical plans are effectively implemented so that targets are not missed. We can learn from experience, such as the 23 percent renewable energy target for 2025, which has so far only reached around 15.7 percent,” said Dr. Setiawan on Tuesday (Jan. 20) at UGM.
According to Dr. Setiawan, who is familiarly known as Aas, the government has long relied too heavily on fossil fuels, while the global community has already begun transitioning to new and renewable energy sources.
“Because we have used fossil energy for such a long time, people tend to choose it out of familiarity and because it is perceived as more reliable. Ideally, the government needs to ensure that all plans are translated into more concrete and tactical actions,” he explained.
One of the main challenges in achieving the targeted energy mix, Dr. Aas noted, lies in funding constraints, infrastructure readiness, continued dependence on fossil fuels, the quality of human resources, regulatory issues, and public acceptance.
Regarding financing, he explained that international funding is now more readily available for renewable energy projects than for fossil fuel projects. However, implementation on the ground remains difficult, particularly due to the need for adequate infrastructure.
“When projects scale up, we face significant challenges related to the lack of readiness among domestic suppliers and manufacturers, among other issues,” he said.
In addition, public dependence on fossil fuels, he continued, also influences how society responds to the development of renewable energy. Therefore, education and public outreach are essential, supported by appropriate regulations to ensure the transition proceeds as intended.
Nevertheless, Dr. Aas emphasized that the commitment to advancing Indonesia’s energy independence must continue to be supported by all elements of society, especially given that the Earth’s condition has progressed beyond global warming to what is now called global heating.
The solution, he argued, lies in mitigation through the development of renewable energy by harnessing available natural resources. For him, if the 23 percent renewable energy target for 2025 was not achieved, the solution is not to lower the target, but to strengthen efforts and push for even greater government commitment.
“Based on experience, this commitment must be genuinely realized, from the President down to ministers, directors-general, and even the wider community. Renewable energy development is like a baby learning to walk; it requires significant investment and strong determination, because this is an investment in the future,” he concluded.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: Freepik