Gov’t to Accelerate Energy Transition

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia at the Presidential Palace, Central Jakarta, Monday (09/15). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

In a bid to accelerate the country’s energy transition and expand its renewable energy sector, particularly solar power, President Prabowo Subianto Monday (09/15) summoned Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia following a limited cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta.

“We are planning to build solar panel systems with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 gigawatts in villages. In the future, we aim to develop between 80 and 100 gigawatts of solar power,” Bahlil told reporters.

According to the Minister, the Government is opening door to foreign investors and encouraging stronger collaboration between international partners and domestic stakeholders, including state-owned enterprises.

“Achieving 100 gigawatts of solar capacity is a major undertaking, since our current industrial capacity is limited to no more than 5 gigawatts per year. That’s why we need foreign investors to partner with local businesses and state-owned enterprises, including Indonesia’s state electricity company PLN.”

In addition to the energy transition agenda, the meeting discussed ongoing negotiations with U.S.-based mining giant Freeport-McMoRan. Bahlil stated that while an initial agreement had been reached for a 10-percent stake increase, discussions are underway to raise that figure potentially.

“I’ve been tasked with accelerating communications. If everything goes according to plan, we hope to finalize a deal and potentially extend Freeport’s contract in Indonesia,” the Minister remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (GWH/LW)