Indonesia Strengthens Energy Transition With Focus On Net Zero Emission Target By 2060

The Indonesian government is ramping up efforts to achieve its ambitious Net Zero Emission (NZE) target by 2060, with renewable energy projects and international collaborations playing a central role. At the Thematic Forum of the Public Relations Coordinating Agency (Bakohumas), hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the discussion focused on the country’s transition away from fossil fuels, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the energy shift.

Lana Saria, Expert Staff to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources for Natural Resource Economics, highlighted the government’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition, particularly through water-based renewable energy. “Indonesia has a vast potential of 89.37 GW from water energy sources spread across 293 locations, including 14,701.71 MW in 257 dam locations,” said Lana at the event, held in Bandung on September 12, 2024.

One of the key projects supporting this transition is the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS), the largest in Southeast Asia and the third largest globally. The plant, built on a 200-hectare reservoir spanning three districts—Purwakarta, Cianjur, and West Bandung—has a capacity of 145 MW AC (192 MWp). The solar panels cover an area of approximately 130 hectares, marking a significant step toward Indonesia’s renewable energy goals.

Lana noted that in addition to the Cirata project, Indonesia’s lakes hold an additional 74,665.25 MW of energy potential. This vast resource presents an opportunity to increase the country’s reliance on clean energy. “The Cirata Floating PLTS serves as a prime example of Indonesia’s commitment to renewable energy, reflecting the nation’s shift towards sustainable energy solutions to tackle climate change,” Lana added.

Indonesia’s energy transition efforts also include international cooperation. The country recently participated in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) 2nd Ministerial Meeting and the 7th Indonesia China Energy Forum (ICEF), both of which focused on clean energy and emission reduction initiatives.

Despite these developments, achieving NZE by 2060 presents several challenges, including reducing emissions from power plants and transitioning away from coal. Lana emphasized that the government plans to develop 367 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2060. The largest share of this will come from Solar Power Plants (PLTS), with a planned capacity of 115 GW, followed by hydropower, ammonia-based power, and wind energy.

Hasyim Gautama, Director of Governance and Partnership from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, also spoke at the forum, sharing insights from a 2023 survey by the Independent Research Institute Network (IRIS). The survey revealed that while 93% of Indonesians are concerned about climate change, 82% believe its impacts can still be mitigated. He urged public relations professionals to help communicate the government’s NZE initiatives effectively, raising public awareness and participation in the energy transition.

As part of the forum, participants will visit the Cirata Floating PLTS and the Cirata Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) to gain firsthand insights into Indonesia’s renewable energy transition efforts. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is working closely with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics to ensure the public stays informed about the nation’s shift towards sustainable energy sources.

This forum is a crucial step in spreading information about Indonesia’s energy transition and the government’s efforts to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2060.