Hashim: Fossil Fuel and Renewable Energy Development Must Complement Each Other

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Hashim Djojohadikusumo believes that the development of conventional energy production, such as fossil fuels, must continue and complement the development of new and renewable energy (EBT). “I think both are still very necessary, we cannot be too complacent, too satisfied with what is happening, we must pursue both,” Hashim said at the Leaders Briefing 2026 event in Jakarta on Thursday. He acknowledged that conventional energy derived from coal is slowly fading or entering a sunset phase. However, he estimates that this energy source is still sufficient for exploration for the next 20 to 30 years. “Keep exploring, because I think energy from fossil fuels will last a long time. It is a sunset, but perhaps 20-30 years more,” he said. Furthermore, Hashim stated that these efforts are currently very necessary, considering the national energy security vision and the global geopolitical dynamics that make world oil prices increasingly volatile. “We have seen the consequences of the war between Israel, America, and Iran, how vulnerable the supply chain is in the world,” he said. Nevertheless, he confirmed that the government is strongly encouraging the development of EBT through various alternative energy sources, such as solar and geothermal energy, which are abundant in Indonesia. The development of solar power plants (PLTS), for example, has been included in PT PLN (Persero)’s Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) until 2034 with a target of 17.1 gigawatts (GW). This step is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to increase solar power plant capacity to 100 GW. The construction of 100 GW of PLTS is a strategic government move to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting the ambitious target of 100 per cent electricity from renewable energy within the next 10 years. “I think for new energy, the government has already decided to further increase PLTS and others. But we also have to explore and produce,” Hashim said.