Bondowoso — President Joko Widodo of Indonesia—speaking virtually from Bali—declared on Thursday (June 26) that while the country holds vast reserves of oil and natural gas, the nation’s long-term future rests on a decisive shift toward renewable energy.
The remarks were delivered during the official launch of renewable energy projects across 15 provinces and the expansion of crude oil production by 30,000 barrels per day from the Cepu Block in East Java.
“Reports I’ve received confirm that our oil and gas reserves are substantial. The technology to harness them is already available,” said Prabowo. “But solar power, in particular, is our future. It can bring energy independence to every village, district, regency—even our most remote islands. This is a powerful vision for a brighter Indonesian future.”
Prabowo emphasized the strategic role of energy in ensuring national self-reliance and boosting public welfare. The groundbreaking of five geothermal power plants—part of a broader initiative to build 55 new renewable energy facilities—marks a critical first step in Indonesia’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency.
“Today we are breaking ground on 55 renewable power plants, including geothermal plants, which stands as proof that we are ready to stand on our own feet,” he declared. “This energy will be delivered to the people of Indonesia in a way that is both efficient and affordable.”
The President also underscored the importance of disciplined, people-focused energy management and called on all stakeholders—government agencies, state-owned enterprises, private firms, and foreign partners—to align around a shared national vision.
“The government will continue working closely with the private sector, foreign partners, state-owned enterprises, and local authorities to realize this ambitious agenda,” Prabowo stated. “Indonesia even has the potential to be among the first countries to achieve its zero carbon emissions target on time. More importantly, we can produce energy more efficiently by streamlining expensive logistics chains.”
