House Member Assesses Hydrogen Development Could Strengthen Industry and Indonesia's Competitiveness
Member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Jamaluddin Malik has expressed his support for the government’s steps to accelerate the development of a national hydrogen ecosystem.
According to him, hydrogen development is not merely part of the energy transition strategy, but should also be seized as a moment to build technological mastery, strengthen research, and prepare a workforce capable of competing in the future energy industry.
Jamaluddin Malik said that the development of 93 hydrogen projects with an investment potential of around Rp32 trillion represents a strategic opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen its national industry. For this reason, incoming investment must result in technology transfer, increased Local Content Levels (TKDN), a stronger national industry, and more opportunities for Indonesian workers.
“We appreciate the commitment of President Prabowo Subianto, subsequently implemented by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, to accelerate the development of the national hydrogen ecosystem. This step must become a moment to build technological independence, strengthen innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian industry amid the development of the global energy industry,” Jamaluddin Malik said in a written statement on Friday, 24 July 2026.
In his view, Indonesia has great potential to develop a hydrogen industry, supported by abundant new and renewable energy sources.
Geothermal areas in Central Java, West Java, North Sumatra and Lampung, hydropower potential in North Kalimantan and Sulawesi, and various industrial zones across Indonesia must be prepared to become part of the national hydrogen ecosystem through strengthened research, vocational education, infrastructure, and collaboration between government, universities, state-owned enterprises, and the business community.
He stressed that Indonesia must not become merely a market for hydrogen technology. Hydrogen development must spur the birth of domestic manufacturing industries, raise TKDN levels, strengthen national supply chains, and produce more engineers, researchers, and workers with competence in the future energy sector.
Jamaluddin Malik added that Commission XII of the DPR RI will continue to oversee the development of the hydrogen ecosystem to ensure it delivers real benefits for the nation.
In his view, the success of hydrogen should be measured not only by the size of investment, but also by Indonesia’s ability to master the technology, build a national industry, improve the quality of human resources, and create added value for the economy.