Deputy Speaker Proposes Three Priorities to Strengthen National Energy Security

The Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Eddy Soeparno, has proposed three priorities for strengthening national energy security, ranging from short-term to long-term measures for the government to implement. For the short-term priority, Eddy stated that the government needs to strengthen national refinery capacity, accelerate electrification, and carry out energy substitution to reduce dependence on imports. For the medium term, he believes Indonesia can optimise the development of bioenergy by capitalising on national advantages, such as biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). For the long term, he assessed that the development of new energy sources, such as hydrogen and nuclear power plants, must be prepared as part of the strategy towards net zero emissions. He further cautioned that Indonesia must not merely be a follower in the global energy transition agenda. “We must be a policy shaper, not just a policy taker,” he said. Moreover, he noted that Indonesia possesses vast natural resources, renewable energy potential, and a significant demographic dividend. “With the right strategy, we can achieve strong economic growth while maintaining environmental sustainability for future generations,” he said. He also urged Indonesia’s younger generation to take an active role in realising sustainable development. “Young people are the main actors who will determine the direction of Indonesia’s development. Innovation, research, green entrepreneurship, and youth leadership will be the determining factors for Indonesia’s success in achieving its sustainable development targets,” he said.