Prabowo Sets 100 Gigawatt Solar Power Target

PRESIDENT Prabowo Subianto has emphasised that the government will accelerate the national electrification programme based on renewable energy by developing solar power capacity of up to 100 gigawatts. This step forms part of a strategy to strengthen energy independence amid global uncertainty.

The statement was made by Prabowo whilst delivering remarks during the inaugural celebration of the 1st Anniversary of Prabowo, Solar Power Plants, and Renewable Energy Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday (11 March). “We will implement electrification based on renewable energy from solar power. Within the shortest possible time, we will build 100 gigawatts,” he said.

Prabowo stressed that the programme represents a direct government decision that must be realised immediately. “That is already my directive, that is already my decision. And we will prove to the world that we are faster and more effective in this regard,” he stated.

He added that various strategic measures also demonstrate that Indonesia is capable of pursuing and even matching the achievements of other nations if it possesses strong determination and management.

“Danantara is also evidence that Indonesia, with determination and strong will, is capable of achieving great things, capable of following and matching the achievements of other nations,” Prabowo said.

The Head of State added that the current global situation, full of crises, should instead be viewed as momentum for accelerating the national strategic agenda, including energy self-sufficiency.

The government targets energy self-sufficiency to be achieved within the next few years. However, the current global situation is viewed as forcing the government to accelerate the realisation of this target.

“We already have the intention for energy self-sufficiency that we are confident we will achieve in four years. But this forces us to accelerate. We must speed it up,” he said.

“We have a great deal of palm oil. We will have sufficient cassava. We can obtain fuel from corn and sugar cane,” Prabowo continued.

Furthermore, Indonesia also possesses significant potential in the geothermal energy sector, which is described as one of the world’s largest reserves. “We have very significant geothermal resources. If I am not mistaken, the second largest reserves in the world. Which have not been fully exploited,” said the Head of State.

“This becomes increasingly pressing because we see the world is now full of uncertainty. Crises are happening everywhere, but brothers and sisters, crises always generate opportunities. Crisis is a test, crisis is a stepping stone,” Prabowo concluded.