MPR seeks ideas from ULM academics to accelerate energy transition
Universities play a strategic role in driving the energy transition as they serve as the birthplace of new research and ideas.
The People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) is gathering input and ideas from academics at Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) in an effort to accelerate the energy transition policies currently being rolled out by the government.
“Universities have a strategic role in driving the energy transition because they are spaces where new research and ideas are born,” said the Vice Chairman of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, in Banjarmasin on Wednesday.
During the MPR RI Goes to Campus National Seminar, themed “The Urgency of Energy Transition to Prevent the Impacts of Climate Change,” Eddy acknowledged that every campus visit provides valuable input that can enrich the formulation of energy and environmental policies.
Therefore, he expressed hope that students and ULM academics could provide ideas regarding the energy transition. “This will serve as both an enrichment and a deepening of our efforts in formulating policy,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening the domestic use of coal through downstreaming, including the development of Dimethyl Ether (DME) as an alternative to LPG.
Furthermore, he noted that the energy transition involves more than just changing energy sources; it also pertains to environmental issues such as water pollution, waste management, and the impacts of climate change.
Meanwhile, the Rector of ULM, Prof. Ahmad Alim Bachri, stated that the presence of the MPR RI at ULM serves as a momentum to strengthen the cooperation previously established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
One of the primary focuses of this cooperation is the development of new and renewable energy and climate change issues.
The Rector added that ULM has made tangible contributions through the management of a 1,670-hectare educational forest area and a 611-hectare mangrove area in Kotabaru Regency. Both areas serve as natural laboratories for research and innovation that support the energy transition agenda and sustainable development.