MPR Goes to Campus at Unhan: Eddy Soeparno Discusses Energy Security
Deputy Speaker of the MPR from the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction, Eddy Soeparno, held the 50th series of the MPR Goes to Campus (MPR GTC) programme at the Indonesian Defence University (Unhan). According to Eddy, holding the 50th MPR Goes to Campus at the Defence University carries special significance. Besides being an important milestone for a programme that has reached 50 campuses across various regions, this activity also took place at an institution that specifically studies strategic issues of national defence and security.
"The implementation of the 50th MPR Goes to Campus at the Defence University holds very strong meaning. Energy security is no longer solely a matter of economics or energy supply, but has become part of national resilience. Therefore, this 50th campus is very appropriately held at the Defence University," Eddy said in a written statement on Thursday.
In his presentation, Eddy Soeparno asserted that energy security is a constitutional mandate and is outlined in the Asta Cita of Prabowo-Gibran. For this Doctor of Political Science from the University of Indonesia, energy security must be placed as an integral part of national resilience.
Furthermore, Eddy explained that global geopolitical developments in recent years have shown how closely the relationship between international security and energy security is. The conflict occurring in the Middle East, for example, has caused disruptions to the global energy supply chain, triggered rising energy prices, and impacted various economic sectors ranging from agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics to strategic industries.
"When conflict occurs in a region that is a major supplier of the world’s energy, the impact is not only felt by the oil and gas sector. Supply chain disruptions will affect production costs, inflation, and ultimately influence national economic growth. This is why the energy issue must be viewed from a broader perspective as a strategic national issue," Eddy said.
In this context, Eddy assessed that the energy transition agenda, which is one of President Prabowo Subianto’s priorities, is a strategic step to strengthen national independence while maintaining sustainable development. According to him, this agenda is in line with President Prabowo’s Asta Cita, which emphasises the importance of energy self-sufficiency, a green economy, and sustainable development.
"The energy transition, in a broader perspective, is an agenda for national independence. When we are able to increase the utilisation of new and renewable energy, strengthen energy efficiency, and reduce dependence on imports, we are building a stronger foundation for national resilience," he explained.
"The journey of MPR Goes to Campus up to the 50th campus shows how great the contribution of higher education is in providing perspectives and input for policy-making. Every campus we visit presents new ideas that enrich the discussion of strategic national issues, including energy," he added.
On that occasion, Eddy, who is also Deputy Chairperson of PAN, emphasised that reaching the 50th campus is not the end of the MPR Goes to Campus journey. On the contrary, this achievement serves as momentum to expand collaboration with more universities throughout Indonesia.
"We are committed to continuing the MPR Goes to Campus journey to more regions, particularly in Eastern Indonesia. We want to ensure that the ideas, innovations, and intellectual contributions from all the nation’s children can be part of the solution for Indonesia’s development. The spirit of nationalism and collaboration must and will continue to be present from Sabang to Merauke," Eddy stated.
"Energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand as the foundation towards a Golden Indonesia 2045," he stressed.