President Prabowo Commits to Energy Self-Sufficiency, Backs Clean Energy Transition

President Prabowo inaugurates PT VKTR Sakti Industries’ commercial electric vehicle assembly plant in Magelang regency, Central Java province, on Thursday (04/09). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

In his remarks at the inauguration of PT VKTR Sakti Industries’ commercial electric vehicle assembly plant in Magelang Regency, Central Java province, President Prabowo Subianto, on Thursday (04/09), reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving national energy self-sufficiency by accelerating the transition to clean and renewable energy.

President Prabowo emphasized that energy is one of the most strategic sectors for a nation’s sustainability, alongside food security. Therefore, Indonesia must achieve self-sufficiency to remain strong and sovereign amid global dynamics.

“For a country as large as ours, if we still want to be independent, if we still want to survive, we have no choice but to be self-sufficient, and energy is one of the most critical sectors,” the President stated.

Despite global instability, the President expressed optimism that Indonesia is blessed with abundant energy resources. However, he added, energy management must be applied prudently, with a continued focus on efficiency and sustainability.

As part of this strategy, President Prabowo reinforced the national policy direction to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and switch to electrical and renewable energy.

“One of the measures is to use electrical energy, or electrification, to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and carbon-based fuels,” he said.

On this occasion, the President also announced plans to increase national electricity capacity to 100 gigawatts within a relatively short time. This program will be supported by the gradual phase-out of diesel-powered power plants (PLTDs) currently in operation.

“By shutting them down, we will save 200,000 barrels [of oil fuel] a day. We still need to import [oil fuel], currently at 1 million barrels a day. By shutting down the PLTDs, we will instantly save 20 percent,” said the President.

In addition, the President stated that through these measures, Indonesia could potentially make significant reductions in, or even stop, oil imports within the next few years.

The Government is also promoting the development of alternative energy based on domestic resources, including the use of palm oil and used cooking oil to produce environmentally friendly fuels such as jet fuel.

Through these various strategic measures, President Prabowo is optimistic that Indonesia can achieve energy self-sufficiency and strengthen national resilience despite global challenges.

“We have great abilities. If we are determined, we will be self-sufficient, we will be powerful, and we will stand tall on our own two feet,” he stated.

This inauguration marks a concrete step for Indonesia in achieving energy sovereignty, a green economy, and robust national resilience. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/TM)