Pertamina NRE and METI Accelerate Regional Energy Transition
Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) and the Indonesian Renewable Energy Society (METI) are collaborating in an effort to accelerate the energy transition down to the regional level.
Norman Ginting, Director of Projects and Operations at Pertamina NRE and Chairperson of METI, stated that strengthening the renewable energy ecosystem in the regions is a crucial part of expanding the utilisation of clean energy while reinforcing national energy security.
“Collaboration like this needs to be continuously strengthened so that renewable energy is not only a source of clean energy but can also become an economic driver and open new opportunities for the regions,” Norman said in a statement on Wednesday.
He cited North Sulawesi as a strategic region that has demonstrated achievements in renewable energy utilisation. The province has recorded a new and renewable energy mix reaching 32 per cent, predominantly sourced from geothermal energy. Norman noted that around 24 per cent of North Sulawesi’s electricity needs are already supplied by geothermal power.
“North Sulawesi shows that renewable energy potential can become a regional strength while also being part of the effort to strengthen national energy security,” he said.
The province possesses diverse renewable energy potential, ranging from solar, wind, ocean, and bioenergy to geothermal. Norman emphasised that with this substantial potential, North Sulawesi can serve as an example of how regions can play an active role in driving the energy transition.
He stressed that developing renewable energy requires cross-sector collaboration involving the government, business players, academics, communities, and the younger generation. In this context, METI’s regional branches act as instruments to strengthen the local renewable energy ecosystem through advocacy, policy synchronisation, and by serving as a bridge between investors and local partners for project realisation, as well as enhancing human resource capacity in the renewable energy sector.
North Sulawesi is the first METI regional branch in eastern Indonesia. Previously, METI had established a presence in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau Islands, and West Java.
“The energy transition is a shared agenda that requires contributions from all regions and generations. We appreciate the support of the North Sulawesi Provincial Government and the enthusiasm of the young people in North Sulawesi who are taking part,” Norman said.