PLN CEO Emphasises Cross-Sector Collaboration to Strengthen Energy Resilience
The President Director of PT PLN (Persero), Darmawan Prasodjo, emphasised cross-sector collaboration as the key to strengthening national energy resilience. This emphasis is particularly related to efforts to accelerate the energy transition.
He conveyed this during the opening of a workshop titled “HVDC Transmission: Indonesia’s Green Enabling Interconnection” at the PLN Head Office Auditorium in South Jakarta on Monday (20/4/2026). The event, organised by the Indonesian Electrical Power Society (MKI) together with CIGRE Indonesia, brought together industry players, regulators, and global partners to discuss the development of a green energy-based electricity system.
“With a spirit of togetherness, we can create a better energy future. We want to deliver more affordable energy, encourage greater investment, and accelerate national development,” said Darmawan in Jakarta, quoted on Tuesday (21/4/2026).
The forum reviewed the role of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology as the backbone of green electricity interconnection in Indonesia. This technology is considered essential for connecting dispersed renewable energy sources with electricity demand centres.
The workshop was attended by 221 participants and forms part of strategic steps to support the government’s plans to strengthen the national electrification system. The main focus was directed towards readiness of transmission infrastructure to support an increasingly green energy mix.
In the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), the government targets an addition of 69.5 gigawatts (GW) of power plant capacity. The renewable energy portion reaches 76 percent or around 42.6 GW, encompassing solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal power, supplemented by energy storage systems.
This commitment aligns with directives from President Prabowo Subianto, who is pushing for the development of solar power plants up to 100 GW in a relatively short time. The government is also allocating fiscal support for energy resilience amounting to Rp402.4 trillion in 2026.
Darmawan explained the need to develop transmission networks spanning approximately 48,000 kilometres of circuits to bridge renewable energy source locations with electricity demand centres. One priority project is the Sumatra-Java interconnection based on HVDC with a length of around 112 kilometres of circuits.
The workshop featured a general lecture session by CIGRE President Prof. Dr. Konstantin Papailiou, who comprehensively discussed HVDC implementation. Technical sessions also involved global industry players such as GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy, Siemens Energy, State Grid Power Indonesia, and PLN.
MKI General Chairman Suroso Isnandar stated that this event is part of MKI’s strategic role as a platform connecting stakeholders in the electricity sector. He assessed that collaboration is necessary to ensure the energy transition proceeds in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
“This interconnection is no longer just discourse, but a crucial need to support the energy transition and ensure the reliability of the national electricity system,” said Suroso, who also serves as Director of Project Management and New Renewable Energy at PLN.
In addition to technical aspects, the forum also discussed innovative business schemes for HVDC project development, including private-based funding options. Industry perspectives were presented by several companies, including Kansai Electric Power Indonesia, Voksel, and KEPCO.
The collaboration built through this forum is expected to accelerate the realisation of strategic interconnection projects while strengthening the foundation of the national electricity system. Synergy among stakeholders is key to ensuring the energy transition proceeds in a directed and sustainable manner.