Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology pushes electric motorcycle conversion to reduce energy imports
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, is pushing for the accelerated downstreaming of research regarding the comprehensive conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to electric power to reduce energy imports.
During the Energy Week 2026 event in Jakarta on Tuesday, Minister Brian noted that energy imports represent a significant burden on the country, particularly amidst the dynamics of escalating global geopolitical conflicts which continue to drive up world oil prices.
“One of the significant ways to eliminate imports is through various approaches. Our petrol motorcycles consume almost 100 per cent of our imports, which go towards gasoline. Therefore, if these motorcycles can be converted to 100 per cent electric, we will significantly reduce imports,” he stated.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology mentioned that President Prabowo Subianto has provided specific directives to massively reduce dependence on fuel and gas imports.
The President, he continued, emphasised that energy security is the second most important foundation for national progress after food security. This is especially critical as international conflicts have recently intensified, partly driven by energy concerns.
To realise this systemic transformation, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology highly appreciates the role of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), which is proactively facilitating various applied research projects in universities.
It is hoped that this close synergy will encourage the industrial sector to seize opportunities for the commercialisation of innovative research results produced by the nation’s talent.
Following this sentiment, the Head of BRIN, Arif Satria, reaffirmed his agency’s commitment to working alongside the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to produce superior and creative talent in the field of innovation.
Arif believes that collaboration between university laboratories, industry, and the government is essential to respond to the challenges of the energy transition and to help Indonesia leap forward as a developed nation.