IESR: Swift and Measurable Foundations Key to 100 GW Solar Power Program Success
These three priorities are vital as they serve as initial proof that the 100 GW solar power program is not just a capacity ambition but a concrete energy system transformation strategy.
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), an energy think tank, has stated that the success of the 100-gigawatt (GW) solar power plant (PLTS) program depends not only on the scale of capacity targets but also on the government’s ability to build fast, measurable, and replicable foundations for implementation.
“In the initial phase, the government must prioritise quick-win programmes that can immediately reduce diesel consumption, attract investment, and improve access to clean electricity for communities,” said IESR Chief Executive Officer Fabby Tumiwa in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Saturday.
Tumiwa further outlined three priority agendas for the initial implementation of the 100 GW solar programme: accelerating the diesel phase-out (converting diesel power plants to clean energy sources); speeding up rooftop solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); and developing village solar management models through Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (KDKMP) or Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes).
“These three priorities are crucial as they provide initial evidence that the 100 GW solar programme is not merely a capacity ambition but a tangible energy system transformation strategy,” Tumiwa stressed during a discussion titled ‘Indonesia Chases 100 GW Solar’ in Jakarta on Friday (29 May).
Tumiwa believes the diesel phase-out is one of the most strategic entry points to accelerate the 100 GW solar programme. Indonesia currently has thousands of diesel power plants, particularly in remote and island regions.
Under the 2025-2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), state electricity company PLN identified approximately 3,996 diesel generators across 1,234 remote locations and aims to cut diesel power supply by 80% by 2030.
However, Tumiwa noted that the procurement process for diesel phase-out projects has not been optimal in recent years. The 2022 tender saw minimal interest, while subsequent steps involving Letter of Intent (LoI) signings with consortia in 2023 have faced tariff approval hurdles.
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources’ Decision (derived from Ministerial Regulation No. 19/2025) setting the upper price limit for PLTS and BESS-based diesel phase-out projects has yet to be issued.
IESR recommends the government review the procurement mechanism for diesel phase-out projects to make them more attractive for developers and better aligned with on-ground conditions.
Projects could be bundled selectively, particularly in regions with smaller coverage but larger project capacity.
“This approach can reduce logistical complexity, improve economies of scale, and make projects more bankable for investors,” he said.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto, while attending the opening of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, on Friday (8 May), affirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating the development of up to 100 GW of solar power as part of the national energy transition agenda towards energy independence.
The programme is also expected to strengthen Indonesia’s position in promoting clean energy development across ASEAN. President Prabowo has even set a target to complete the 100 GW solar programme before 2029.