Strait of Hormuz Disruption: Eddy Soeparno Emphasises Urgency of Energy Security
The Iran-Israel and US conflict threatens prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies 20 per cent of global crude oil. For Eddy Soeparno, Vice Chair of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) from the National Mandate Party (PAN) faction, this geopolitical development reaffirms the urgent need for energy security and ending Indonesia’s dependence on imported energy sources.
“On many occasions I have stated that energy security is as important as achieving national resilience,” Eddy said in a statement on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
“Prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz is proof that Indonesia must immediately end its dependence on imported energy supplies and strengthen domestic energy infrastructure,” he added.
Eddy made these remarks whilst delivering a public lecture as part of the MPR Goes to Campus programme at Petra Christian University in Surabaya, its 46th campus visit. The event was attended by the rector, vice-rectors, and hundreds of students from various faculties.
One key effort to end energy dependence is accelerating the transition to renewable energy based on domestic sources.
“Indonesia is rich with various renewable energy sources ranging from solar, hydroelectric, geothermal to wind. The potential reaches 3,600 GW,” Eddy explained.
“However, renewable energy exploitation remains insignificant due to barriers including technological constraints, human resources, financing, and grid reliability. These are areas we must continuously improve,” he continued.
As part of efforts to accelerate energy transition, this University of Indonesia political science doctor emphasised the importance of clear, transparent, and coordinated public policy.
“We must avoid the trap of over-regulation without coordination (under-coordination). Building reliable energy infrastructure is major work requiring cross-institutional synergy,” he stressed.
In this effort, Eddy affirmed that the legislature, specifically the MPR and House of Representatives, supports accelerating energy transition through various regulations currently under discussion.
“We are currently finalising the New and Renewable Energy (EBET) Bill. Additionally, we are also revising the Oil and Gas Bill and the Electricity Bill,” Eddy said.
“I am also continuously pushing for the Climate Change Management Bill to be promptly passed as our measure to anticipate the climate crisis, whilst emphasising the urgency of renewable energy. It is currently included in the 2026 National Legislation Programme and I hope discussions can be accelerated,” concluded the PAN Deputy Chair.