Reduce Fuel Imports, Prabowo Accelerates Construction of Solar Power Plants and Electric Motor Conversions

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto revealed President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to reduce imports of BBM and LPG. The measures include replacing Diesel-Fired Power Plants (PLTD) with solar energy, carrying out electric motor conversions, and promoting the use of electric stoves.

This was disclosed by Brian after a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto on energy transition at the State Palace on Thursday (5 March 2026). The meeting was also attended by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Minister of Investment and Downstreaming (Hilirisasi) Rosan Roeslani.

Brian explained that his side was asked to secure research support from universities to accelerate the development of solar photovoltaic plants (PLTS). “We, from universities, research results and studies are asked to support the acceleration of solar cells and PLTS, particularly to replace power plants whose costs remain high, namely those from diesel,” Brian said.

Next, President Prabowo also requested faster implementation of the programme to convert conventional motors to electric motors, because BBM consumption also takes up a large share. “Electric vehicles. Why? Because the two things above, the diesel-fired power plants and electric vehicles, are still dependent on BBM,” he said.

Brian explained that currently the price of imported BBM is quite high, and thus has a large impact on the country’s finances.

Therefore, by replacing PLTD with PLTS and converting vehicles to electric, Indonesia’s dependence on imported BBM could be reduced. “Thus, our dependence on imports and our exposure to prices that can change quickly can be reduced,” he noted.

Furthermore, Brian also said the president has asked to speed up the adoption of electric stoves across society. The reason is Indonesia’s substantial reliance on LPG; when prices rise, it becomes a burden on national finances.

“Thus, when LPG prices rise, our dependence on LPG, and the subsidies for LPG electricity, must be reduced, so that our BBM remains more stable,” said Brian.