Eddy Soeparno: Energy Security Urgency on Par with National Security

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) from the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction, Eddy Soeparno, held a High-Level Dialogue with professors and academics from the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Centre for Energy Studies. The event aimed to gather various strategic inputs and recommendations regarding the strengthening of national energy security, the acceleration of the energy transition, and the decarbonisation process in Indonesia. During the discussion, Eddy conveyed his views on the importance of national security, the energy transition, and Indonesia’s decarbonisation commitment, which must go hand in hand with high economic growth targets. Eddy also received various strategic inputs from UGM academics concerning the importance of harmonising national energy policy, accelerating the development of new and renewable energy, strengthening research and technological innovation, building energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, developing the carbon economy, and providing financing schemes capable of attracting green investment. According to Eddy, input from academics is crucial to ensure Indonesia’s energy policy is responsive to current challenges while also capable of meeting the nation’s long-term needs. “This forum enriches our perspective that the urgency of energy security is equal to that of national security. A country unable to guarantee its energy supply will face risks to economic stability, industrial competitiveness, and even national sovereignty,” Eddy said. The Doctor of Political Science from the University of Indonesia stated that accelerating the energy transition requires synergy between the government, the business sector, financial institutions, and universities. According to Eddy, universities have a strategic role in providing evidence-based policy research, technology development, and preparing human resources capable of meeting the needs of the energy sector transformation. “Indonesia needs science-based energy policy. Therefore, I greatly appreciate the various inputs from UGM professors and academics who provided a comprehensive perspective on strengthening energy security, strategies for accelerating the energy transition, and concrete steps towards national decarbonisation,” Eddy said. According to Eddy, Indonesia must become a policy-shaper by utilising its comparative advantages. This can be realised through the development of palm-based bioenergy and biomass, accelerating electrification, building large-scale solar power plants, developing carbon capture and storage, and utilising nuclear technology as a low-carbon baseload power source in the long term. “Indonesia has all the prerequisites to become a global clean energy powerhouse. What we need now is the courage to make decisions, policy consistency, and close collaboration between the government, universities, the business sector, and society,” Eddy explained. “Energy security must be placed as an integral part of national security. Just like food and defence, energy is the foundation for economic growth, social stability, and national sovereignty,” he continued. Eddy added that the energy transition agenda must therefore be accelerated through consistent policies, investment support, technological mastery, and collaboration among all stakeholders. The meeting was also attended by UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation Prof Danang Sri Hadmoko; Chair of the UGM Board of Trustees Prof Tumiran; Chair of the UGM Academic Senate Prof Dr Sulistiowati; Head of the UGM Centre for Energy Studies Prof Sarjiya; as well as a panel of professors and UGM academics from various disciplines engaged in energy, electricity, technology, and public policy.