100 GWp solar power programme could create 5.52 million jobs
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) Muhammad Qodari said the 100 gigawatt peak (GWp) solar power plant (PLTS) programme is the government’s step to build energy self-sufficiency while strengthening the national economy.
Qodari said in his statement in Jakarta on Monday that the programme is projected to require investment of around Rp1,140 trillion and has the potential to create around 5.52 million jobs.
“The start of the 100 Gigawatt Peak (GWp) solar power plant programme is not merely about setting a target. This is a concrete step to build a new energy source that is stronger, more self-reliant, and more sustainable for Indonesia,” Qodari said.
He said the step began to be realised with the launch of the 100 GWp PLTS programme by President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday (25/8), which began with the construction of 14 solar power plants in six provinces with a total capacity of 5.3 GWp.
The programme launch was centred at the Gilimanuk Site PLTS, Jembrana Regency, Bali.
Qodari explained that the 100 GWp PLTS programme is part of efforts to strengthen national energy security while reducing dependence on fossil energy.
By harnessing Indonesia’s solar energy potential, he said, national energy needs are expected to be increasingly met from resources available domestically.
“However, for the government, the shift towards clean energy is not only about reducing emissions. More than that, the energy transition must bring benefits that can be felt directly by the public and provide added value for the national economy,” he said.
Data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) shows the 100 GWp PLTS programme has the potential to save up to Rp73.9 trillion per year in budget, reduce emissions by around 140 million tonnes of CO2, and create around 5.52 million jobs.
He said the use of solar energy will also be expanded to reach underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions, while supporting various productive community activities.
According to Qodari, the investment requirement of around Rp1,140 trillion in developing the 100 GWp PLTS also opens opportunities for domestic industry.
“New needs will grow, new investment, new jobs, and ultimately, new economic strength,” he said.
Qodari emphasised that the construction of the 100 GWp PLTS is part of the government’s efforts to build energy self-sufficiency while strengthening the national economy.
He said the launch of the 100 GWp PLTS programme shows that the major step in developing solar energy has begun to be realised by the government.
“The 100 Gigawatt Peak PLTS is a big step. And today, that big step has already begun,” Qodari said.