PLN Aims to Stop Using Fuel Oil for Electricity Production by 2028

State electricity company PLN has a strategy to reduce its reliance on fuel oil (BBM) for power generation. The target is to eliminate BBM usage entirely by 2028. Reducing BBM use in power plants is considered crucial, especially amid disruptions from the war in the Middle East that have driven global crude oil prices to around US$100 per barrel and affected supply levels. PLN Risk Management Director Adi Lumakso stated that the company is undergoing a transformation to lessen its dependence on BBM. “One of them is through various programmes; for example, by 2028, we will reduce or eliminate BBM. This is the Zero BBM programme up to 2028, implemented gradually,” he said at the Patra Jasa Tower in Jakarta on Thursday (23/4/2026). Adi explained that achieving zero BBM involves using batteries produced from Solar Power Plants (PLTS). “The PLTS will operate; when there is solar energy, we convert it into energy and store it in batteries. These batteries will then be allocated to replace BBM-based power plants,” Adi clarified. Ultimately, Adi added, if this plan succeeds, Indonesia could achieve energy self-sufficiency due to lower costs, aligning with the zero BBM vision. Due to the surge in crude oil prices, Adi noted that it makes PLN more vigilant, as some power plants use imported crude oil. “As for myself, our monitoring is daily, even hourly. Because, although we have other power plants, a portion still uses imported BBM on average, and it’s expensive,” he concluded.