Prabowo Targets Additional 100 GW of Electricity Capacity Within Two Years

President Prabowo Subianto is targeting the acceleration of the national electrification programme with an additional capacity of up to 100 gigawatts over the next two years. This step is described as part of a grand strategy to reduce dependence on imported fuel oil (BBM) while strengthening energy independence.

The statement was delivered during the inauguration of the commercial electric vehicle assembly plant owned by PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas Tbk in Magelang on Thursday (9/4). Prabowo emphasised that the decision is final and will be implemented immediately.

“So I have decided and we will carry out the 100 gigawatt electrification programme. We hope to achieve 100 gigawatts within 2 years,” he said, as witnessed via the YouTube channel of the Presidential Secretariat.

Within the framework of this policy, the government will also halt the use of diesel-powered electricity plants (PLTD). All solar-based plants, particularly those under PLN, are planned to be closed gradually.

“There will be no more electricity plants using diesel or solar. No. With that, we will close 13 diesel-powered electricity plants,” Prabowo stated.

The closure of PLTD is seen as having a significant impact on national energy savings. From this step alone, the government estimates a reduction in oil consumption of hundreds of thousands of barrels per day.

“By closing them, we will save 200,000 barrels a day. We still need to import 1 million barrels a day right now,” he said.

This means the policy has the potential to immediately cut around 20% of BBM import needs. The government believes the additional 100 gigawatts of electricity capacity will further enhance this efficiency.

“By closing PLTD, we save 20% directly. And with the 100 gigawatts later, we will save enormously. Perhaps in 2-3 years, we won’t need to import BBM at all,” Prabowo said.

This optimism is based on the government’s confidence in the strength of national energy resources. Prabowo stressed that Indonesia has great potential to achieve energy independence in a relatively short time.

“We have great strength, we are truly serious. We will be independent, we will be strong, we will stand on our own feet,” he concluded.