Japanese Energy Company Considers Investment in Kayan Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plant Project in North Kalimantan

Photos together after the dinner with Ambassador Heri Akhmadi. (IST)

JAKARTA - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Tokyo, under the leadership of Ambassador Heri Akhmadi, held a business dinner on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The event was held at the Ambassador's residence to welcome the upcoming 2nd AZEC Ministerial Meeting, and was attended by executives from eight leading Japanese energy companies, including Mr. Takashi Nakamura (J-Power), Mr. Suguru Kawabata (Sojitz Corporation), Mr. Seiji Kawamura (Marubeni Corporation), Shunta Kijima (JERA Co. Inc), Mr. Hiroshi Hashiuchi (Tepco Renewable Power Inc), Mr. Masahiko Umesaki (Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc) and Mr. Takechi Muramatsu (Sumitomo Corporation).

From Indonesia, the Owner of PT Kayan Hydro Energy (KHE), Tjandra Limanjaya; Andrew Sebastian Suryali, President Director of PT KHE; Steven Kho, Executive Committee of PT KHE; Eko Permanahadi, President Director of Great Eagle Pte. Ltd.; Iwan S. Triawan, Vice President of Business Development at PT. PLN (Persero), and Dr. Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy Minister of International Economic Cooperation of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia who joined online.

A warm dinner atmosphere. (IST)

On this occasion, PT KHE as the initiator and owner of the project explained the latest developments and business prospects of the Kayan Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plant. They also officially announced that the cooperation with Sumitomo Corporation had ended. "The cooperation with Sumitomo Corporation has ended. We are opening opportunities for all parties who want to be involved in the Kayan Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plant project," said Andrew Sebastian Suryali in a press statement in Jakarta, Monday, July 22.

Andrew explained that the Kayan Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plant is a strategic project in the green energy program in Indonesia. "We see that they welcome this project and will follow up on a B2B (business to business) basis. In principle, we open opportunities for all parties to collaborate," he added.

A warm atmosphere of eating and eating. (IST)

With the relocation of Indonesia's capital from Jakarta to the archipelago on the island of Borneo, the focus on sustainable infrastructure development is becoming more important. Indonesia, as part of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative, emphasizes sustainability, green technology, and zero-emission energy production.

PT Kayan Hydro Energy, the driver of the Kayan Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plant Project, presented its grand plan at the dinner. The project aims to build a series of hydroelectric power plants along the Kayan River Basin. This effort is supported by the public and private sectors, including commitments from PT. PLN (Persero) and PT. Indonesia Strategic Industry which is developing the Integrated Green Economic Zone.

Gathering after dinner. (IST)

The development project of the 9000 MW hydroelectric power plant is estimated to cost around USD 17.8 billion, including the construction of transmission lines and substations. The presentation of the Kayan Cascade Project captivated the participants, highlighting the potential annual electricity output of 36 Terawatt-hours. The project is expected to accelerate the transition to green energy in Kalimantan, thereby significantly reducing national electricity costs.

The investment of Japanese companies in this project not only supports the AZEC initiative, but also strengthens Indonesia's journey towards a green energy transition without sacrificing energy security.

Taking a picture together with the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi. (IST)

Ambassador Heri Akhmadi emphasized the importance of the Kayan Cascade Project as one of the main projects in the AZEC Framework and aims to be one of the deliverables in the next AZEC Ministerial Meeting. The Deputy Minister for International Economic Cooperation of the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs also said that this project, if completed, will be one of the main projects that accelerate Indonesia's transition to green energy while reducing national electricity costs.