At Prabowo’s Direction, Danantara Seeks to Accelerate PLN Transformation

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – President Prabowo Subianto is pushing for a swift, comprehensive transformation of state-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero). The changes will cover a revamp of its business model and an acceleration of the clean energy transition.

The matter was discussed at a limited meeting at Merdeka Palace on Wednesday (14 October 2026). Those attending included Energy and Mineral Resources Minister and Coordinating Minister for Downstreaming and Energy Transition Bahlil Lahadalia, Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI) chief executive Rosan Roeslani, and PLN Director of Project Management and New and Renewable Energy Suroso Isnandar.

Following the meeting, PLN’s shareholders’ meeting that evening appointed Suroso as the company’s president director. He will also retain his previous position until a successor is appointed.

“We discussed strategies to accelerate PLN’s transformation so it becomes better, faster and more responsive, while also speeding up the use of solar panels to reach 100 gigawatts,” Rosan said after the meeting.

Rosan said the transformation would focus on overhauling PLN’s business model. At the meeting, the President asked for the transformation plan to be prepared thoroughly and presented again so it could be acted on promptly.

“President Prabowo’s message was that this overhaul must be comprehensive. This will enable the measures to reduce the subsidy burden while improving efficiency and productivity within PLN,” Rosan said.

Danantara will follow up on the directive by coordinating with PLN’s management to carry out an in-depth review.

“We will revisit the business model to make it more targeted and efficient, and to deliver a positive impact on the economy as a whole,” he added.

Alongside the business overhaul, Rosan said Prabowo had stressed the importance of strengthening PLN’s preparedness for emergencies, including improving contingency plans for the national electricity system.

“If a problem occurs, the backup plan must be clear. This must be implemented consistently across all regions of Indonesia,” Rosan said.