Pertamina's 'Energy Independent Village' Programme Boosts Rural Economies with Clean Energy and Business Opportunities
PT Pertamina (Persero) is continuing to strengthen community empowerment through two complementary approaches: the development of clean energy in rural areas via the Energy Independent Village (Desa Energi Berdikari/DEB) programme and the reinforcement of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Both programmes are part of Pertamina’s efforts to create inclusive and sustainable economic growth for the community.
The DEB programme is one of Pertamina’s efforts to support the government’s Asta Cita mission by building energy independence based on renewable energy, while simultaneously driving village economic growth. The renewable energy developed is tailored to local potential so that it can provide direct benefits to the community.
By the end of March 2026, Pertamina had developed the DEB programme in 262 villages across various regions of Indonesia, building renewable energy support facilities including 1,302,700 watt-peak (Wp) of solar power, 959,302 cubic metres per year of biogas and biomethane, and a micro-hydro power plant with a capacity of 52,500 watts.
This programme not only promotes community energy independence but also strengthens food security, creates business opportunities, and improves the welfare of rural communities.
Pertamina’s Vice President of Corporate Communication, Muhammad Baron, stated that the DEB programme is designed so that the energy transition not only impacts the environment but also improves community welfare. “Through the Energy Independent Village Programme, Pertamina provides clean energy that can create new economic value for the community. The available energy helps increase productivity, opens up business opportunities, and strengthens food security at the village level,” Baron said.
The utilisation of clean energy has created a multiplier effect. Throughout 2025, the DEB programme contributed to an increase in food production of up to 21,357 tonnes per year. In various regions, clean energy has also spurred the growth of MSMEs that drive the village economy.
In addition to economic benefits, the DEB programme also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As of June 2026, the programme has successfully reduced emissions by 72,979 tonnes of CO₂e per year, as part of Pertamina’s support for Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission (NZE) target by 2060.
“Indonesia has enormous clean energy potential. Pertamina will continue to expand the Energy Independent Village Programme so that more rural communities can benefit, whether in terms of energy access, economic improvement, or food security,” Baron added.