Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The government of Indonesia is intensifying efforts to expand nationwide energy access and accelerate the transition toward clean and renewable energy. During a limited cabinet meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (6 March), Prabowo Subianto instructed Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to speed up the implementation of renewable energy programs, particularly the development of solar power plants for schools and rural communities.
Following the meeting, Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the discussion focused on the government’s strategy to implement clean and renewable energy, including plans to develop up to 100 gigawatts of solar power capacity through Solar Power Plants (PLTS).
“We have just concluded a limited meeting with the President focusing on the implementation of clean and renewable energy, including the development of 100 gigawatts of solar power and other renewable energy initiatives,” Bahlil said at the State Palace.
To accelerate the implementation of the energy transition, President Prabowo established a special task force for energy transition acceleration and appointed Bahlil Lahadalia as its chairman. The task force aims to ensure faster implementation of renewable energy programs while also helping the government reduce electricity subsidy burdens.
According to Bahlil, shifting electricity generation from diesel-based power plants to solar energy will improve efficiency in state electricity subsidies and support the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
“The objective is to ensure that the energy transition can be carried out quickly while also reducing subsidies. Converting diesel power plants to solar power will increase efficiency in electricity subsidies and at the same time accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles and cars,” he explained.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is also promoting solar power development to accelerate electrification in remote islands and isolated regions. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to expand energy services and improve electricity access in hard-to-reach areas across Indonesia.
In addition to expanding solar power plants, President Prabowo also instructed the ministry to intensify the conversion of fossil fuel-based motorcycles into electric motorcycles. The government aims to gradually convert around 120 million motorcycles over the next three to four years as part of its effort to promote cleaner transportation.
President Prabowo emphasized that the program should be implemented as soon as possible, with the government targeting completion within three to four years, or sooner if feasible. (*)
