Launching The Mentari Program, Indonesia-UK Realizes Low Carbon Energy

Illustration. (Photo: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is collaborating with the British government to launch a program Towards a Low Carbon Energy Transition (Mentari). This program is to support efforts to restore an environmentally friendly economy in Indonesia.

The Mentari program aims to bring the UK's experience to Indonesia in developing renewable energy, so as to create a better business climate.

ESDM Ministry Secretary General Ego Syahrial revealed that Indonesia is committed to meeting renewable energy targets and reducing emissions by 23 percent by 2025.

"We are optimistic that this program can realize inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty through the development of renewable energy," he said in a video conference, Thursday, July 30.

In its implementation, the Mentari program will provide support in the aspect of policy development towards creating a better regulatory framework to create a more conducive new and renewable energy (EBT) business climate.

"We are currently preparing regulations to increase the development of renewable energy, prioritizing its use to electrify people living in remote and outermost areas, as well as targeting to replace all Diesel Power Plants (PLTD) in the next three years," he said.

Ego said the Mentari Program will encourage private investment in EBT projects, both on-grid and off-grid, with a focus on eastern Indonesia. This program will build a micro-grid (micro-scale network) pilot project that is integrated with productive business activities to increase community economic growth, showing great potential for community-based energy projects.

Furthermore, Ego explained, Mentari will also build domestic and international partnerships to share best practices, knowledge and innovation in the provision of EBT.

Based on his records, Indonesia's EBT potential is one of the largest in the world, at 442 GW or 6.5 times the current generation capacity. Currently, Indonesia has only used 2.15 percent of this capacity, so the opportunity is still very large.

"The switch to clean energy benefits all parties. Not only does it reduce harmful emissions and protect the environment, but an environmentally friendly approach will also increase energy security and help provide reliable and low cost electricity for all Indonesians," he explained.

Meanwhile, British Ambassador Owen Jenkins said Indonesia had the potential to become a superpower in the renewable energy sector. Owen said that currently the world is facing the challenges of a more environmentally friendly economic recovery and is entering a critical decade in tackling climate change.

"I am delighted that the UK is able to partner with Indonesia to support a (more environmentally friendly) energy transition. Our partnership through the Mentari Program supports the development of clean energy in Indonesia, a transition process that enables inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, and safe energy access. and affordable, as well as reducing emissions, "he said.

For your information, this program was officially launched on July 30 with a virtual event opened by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Ego Syahrial. Acting as panelists were the British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste Mr. Owen Jenkins, the Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. FX Sutijastoto, and the Executive Director of the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) Mr. Fabby Tumiwa.