Jakarta ( WNAM MONITORING): Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the government aims to develop a solar power plant program with a total capacity of 100 gigawatts within three years, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening national energy security.
“We will build 100 gigawatts, and we are not taking this endeavor lightly. Our target is to reach 100 gigawatts in three years,” he said while launching the program in Jembrana District, Bali, on Tuesday.
Prabowo expressed confidence that Indonesia would achieve energy self-sufficiency once the target is reached, noting that the country currently generates 88 gigawatts of electricity from coal, oil, gas, and geothermal sources.
He added that the 100-GW solar power agenda stems from the government’s recognition of the country’s 3,294 gigawatt-peak (GWp) solar energy potential, with the program aimed at boosting installed capacity from the current 1.5 GWp.
The President further noted that the program’s benefits would extend beyond energy self-sufficiency, saying the government expects to save up to Rp73.9 trillion (over US$4 billion) annually in national electricity costs.
Prabowo also asked senior officials about their commitment and readiness to oversee and advance the large-scale solar power program.
He addressed Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, and Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan Roeslani, as well as the president directors of state-run electricity firm PLN and state-run oil and gas company Pertamina.
“Let us gather again in three years to reflect on our work. We are now talking only with proof,” Prabowo said after the officials assured him of their commitment to advance the program, which will run across three stages through 2029.
Furthermore, the president emphasized that Indonesia must remain committed to gradually reducing its reliance on imported energy products.
“We should no longer import even one barrel of oil. God willing, we will cease exporting LPG in the shortest possible time,” he said.
