Diesel-to-solar shift to boost energy security: Indonesia

“This aligns with international policies to improve energy security while developing cleaner energy. The government aims to achieve both,” DEN Secretary-General Dadan Kusdiana said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He confirmed that the government is preparing to gradually phase out PLTD as part of efforts to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, focusing on solar power development with a capacity of up to 100 gigawatts.

Dadan stressed that the transition should proceed gradually and in parallel with the completion of solar projects, while optimizing local energy sources such as geothermal.

“Diesel plants are mostly located in remote areas where fuel supply is difficult and costly. They can be replaced with locally available energy sources such as solar and geothermal,” he said.

However, he acknowledged challenges in implementing the transition, particularly in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions.

Dadan added that similar efforts had been initiated earlier through the government’s “de-dieselization” program, which promotes alternatives such as gas and solar energy.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the acceleration of power plant conversion, while Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the move is part of efforts to respond to rising global oil prices.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has also said the transition will be carried out gradually while maintaining electricity supply stability.

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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Tegar Nurfitra