Bahlil: 100 GWp Solar Power Programme Could Create 5.52 Million Jobs

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has emphasised that the 100 gigawatt peak (GWp) solar power plant programme is the government’s main strategy for achieving national energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and creating millions of jobs. He made the remarks at the Launching and Groundbreaking of the 100 GWp Solar Power Programme in Gilimanuk, Bali, on Tuesday (25/8).

Bahlil explained that the programme’s main strength lies in optimising domestic industry. Indonesia already has infrastructure for the solar panel industry and its own battery energy storage system industry. “Through the 100 GWp solar power programme, we will truly stand on our own two feet,” said Bahlil. He added that as a tropical country, Indonesia has the comparative advantage of year-round sunlight, which is a major asset for developing solar energy.

The ambitious programme not only targets energy sovereignty but is also projected to have a significant impact on state budget efficiency. According to the Minister’s report, the large-scale use of solar energy could potentially save the state budget by more than Rp73 trillion per year. These savings are possible because the cost of producing electricity from solar power is far lower than from diesel- or gas-fired plants. Nationally, the programme is predicted to reduce diesel use by up to 6 million kilolitres per year, with a specific contribution in Bali of 500,000 kilolitres per year.

At the same event, President Prabowo Subianto affirmed the government’s full commitment to pursuing this renewable energy development target. The President instructed cross-sectoral synergy among ministries, state-owned enterprises, and other relevant parties. He stressed that the 100 GWp target is not merely rhetoric but a priority agenda that must be achieved within a short timeframe. “We will build 100 gigawatts and we are not playing around; our target is 100 gigawatts within three years,” President Prabowo asserted.