Bima Arya Emphasises Energy Security to Achieve Developed Nation Status
No country can leap from middle-income to developed status without building national self-reliance.
“No country can leap from middle-income to developed without building national independence,” said Bima during a public lecture in Lembang, West Bandung Regency, on Wednesday (30/9).
Bima made these remarks during the Studium Generale for the 65th Class of Officer Students of the Air Force Staff and Command School (Sesko AU) at the Widya Mandala I Building, Sesko AU, Lembang.
He stated that Indonesia is at a critical phase in determining its future development direction. According to him, several international institutions project that Indonesia has the potential to become one of the world’s five largest economic powers within the next 20 years.
However, this opportunity must be accompanied by the ability to build independence across various sectors, including energy. Dependence on energy can affect national security, especially as global geopolitical dynamics become increasingly complex.
He explained that energy serves as the foundation for various activities, ranging from public services, industry, and transport to healthcare facilities, defence systems, and digital infrastructure.
Therefore, energy security must be prepared by considering the availability of new and renewable energy, technological capabilities, and the readiness of the community to embrace change.
Bima also emphasised the importance of the role of local governments in supporting the energy security agenda. Each region possesses different potentials, meaning local governments must identify energy potential, fiscal capacity, human resources, infrastructure, and natural resources.
“These regions are important. They are now the frontliners, at the forefront of energy security,” he said.
As one example, Bima highlighted the processing of waste into electricity in Bogor. He noted that the area generates approximately 4,000 tonnes of waste per day from the city and regency, a portion of which can be processed into electrical energy.
According to him, utilising waste for energy can serve as an effort to reduce waste accumulation while simultaneously developing alternative energy sources.
Bima expressed hope that the Officer Students of Sesko AU would understand the link between energy security, regional development, and national resilience. This understanding is expected to help future leaders identify regional potential and build collaboration to face increasingly complex challenges.