Heaptalk, Jakarta — PT PLN (Persero), has pledged to drive economic growth through an energy transition aimed at sustainable self-sufficiency. This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita vision, emphasizing national energy independence as a catalyst for achieving a projected 8% economic growth rate.
The Director-General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM), Eniya Listiani Dewi, highlighted that President Prabowo’s vision focuses on strengthening energy security through a transition to renewable resources.
“President Prabowo aims to foster national self-reliance and, simultaneously, promote a green and blue economy model, all in support of our national growth target of 8%,” stated Eniya during a recent panel discussion at COP29.
Eniya pointed out Indonesia’s vast potential for renewable energy, estimated at 13.8 terawatts (TW). “The government is drafting energy policies and introducing innovations in our 10-year energy planning. Soon, we will launch the National Electricity General Plan (RUKN) in collaboration with PLN,” she explained.
Infrastructure to Fuel Economic Growth
PLN’s Director of Transmission and System Planning, Evy Haryadi, affirmed the company’s intention to maximize renewable energy sources to fuel national economic growth.
“Achieving an 8% growth rate requires a sustainable and secure energy infrastructure. Reliable electricity is fundamental to reaching this target,” She said.
To support this ambitious vision, this state-owned company plans to expand its renewable energy capacity to 75 gigawatts (GW) by 2040. A critical part of this initiative includes the development of a 70,000-kilometer Green Enabling Transmission Line, designed to deliver green electricity from remote, renewable-rich areas to high-demand regions. Additionally, PLN is preparing to integrate Smart Grid technology to handle the variability inherent in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Evy highlighted the substantial economic impact of this infrastructure expansion, noting its potential to generate a wide range of job opportunities.
“This scale of infrastructure investment will create significant employment for Indonesians, both in formal and informal sectors. Moreover, new industries centered on sustainable energy technology, such as solar panel and battery production, are expected to emerge, fostering innovation and enhancing local industrial capacity.”
Evy also emphasized the potential of renewable energy development in eastern Indonesia, where several Special Economic Zones (KEK) are planned in areas such as Sorong, Timika, and Raja Ampat.
“In eastern Indonesia, renewable energy infrastructure holds immense potential to boost regional economies. For example, a planned one-gigawatt power plant in Papua alone could increase the region’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by an estimated 240%,” Evy concluded.
