Gov’t Forms Task Force to Accelerate National Energy Transition

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia delivers statement after attending a limited meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (03/05).

To advance the shift toward clean and renewable energy, the Government established a task force dedicated to accelerating the energy transition.

In this regard, President Prabowo Subianto has appointed Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia as head of the task force.

The task force is mandated to accelerate the development of 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity and the conversion of gasoline-powered vehicles into electric vehicles (EVs) within the next three to five years.

“The President stated that we have a maximum of three to four years to achieve the target, though accomplishing it sooner would be even better,” he told reporters after attending a limited meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (03/05).

He added that the acceleration of the energy transition is expected to enhance the use of clean energy and promote greater efficiency. In addition, the conversion of diesel power plants into solar power plants is projected to improve efficiency in Indonesia’s electricity subsidy system.

Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated that the acceleration of the energy transition aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imported energy amidst volatile global energy prices.

“The President has instructed the relevant ministers to accelerate the implementation of this program, which will reduce our dependence on imported energy and exposure to volatile global prices,” he added.

Brian further explained that the conversion of gas stoves to electric stoves is also part of the energy transition program. This initiative, he added, is expected to ease the burden of LPG subsidies, contributing to greater efficiency and stability in the State Budget.

The Government’s effort to accelerate the energy transition are intended not only to expand the use of clean and green energy, but also to achieve national energy sovereignty. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/EP)