President Jokowi Applauds Pagar Alam’s Efforts to Become Green Energy City

President Jokowi delivers remarks during his working visit to Pagar Alam city, South Sumatra province, Monday (01/24). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has praised Pagar Alam city in South Sumatra province for the development of green energy by starting the use of micro-hydro electricity.

The President also called on the regional government to continually follow up on the use of green energy so that Pagar Alam will be the first city that achieves net zero emissions.

“It [Pagar Alam] will be the country’s first zero emissions city, if the use of green energy can be continuously followed up. The energy produced is only used for household needs and other electricity needs. If this program is continued, the use of green energy can be expanded to electric vehicles and electric cars, making it the first city in Indonesia that uses green energy,” the President said in his remarks at the Merdeka Square, Pagar Alam city, South Sumatra province, Monday (01/24).

Currently, all countries are moving towards new and renewable energy, be it solar energy, hydropower, geothermal, ocean currents, sea surface heat, and the wind.

President Jokowi said that Indonesia has a great potential in the development of new and renewable energy.

“After we have calculated all new and renewable energy that we have, there are more or less —based on the final count but I am not sure that it is final already— we have 418 thousand megawatts, be it sourced from hydropower, geothermal, ocean tidal currents, sea surface heat, the wind, and solar power,” he said.

With the development of green energy supported by its natural beauty, the Head of State expressed belief that the people will see the beauty of Pagar Alam city.

The President also pointed out that the Central Government will continue to support the development of green energy in Pagar Alam city.

“I have ordered Minister of SOEs, Governor of South Sumatra, Mayor of Pagar Alam to start making plans. The Central Government will support the progress,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RIF/MMB)