Ecobiz.asia — Prabowo Subianto has set a target to develop up to 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity while gradually phasing out diesel-fired power plants (PLTD) to reduce Indonesia’s reliance on fuel imports.
“We will implement a 100 GW electrification program, which we aim to achieve within two years,” he said during the inauguration of an electric commercial vehicle assembly plant operated by PT VKTR Sakti Industries in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday (April 9, 2026).
The president said the government plans to shut down 13 diesel power plants operated by state utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) as part of efforts to improve energy efficiency and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy.
He added that the move could reduce fuel imports by up to 200,000 barrels per day, or around 20% of Indonesia’s total imports, currently estimated at about 1 million barrels per day.
Earlier in March, Prabowo established a task force to accelerate the energy transition, including solar power development, appointing Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to lead the initiative.
Prabowo said Indonesia could significantly reduce or even eliminate fuel imports within the next two to three years if the program is implemented effectively.
In addition to solar expansion, the government is also promoting alternative fuels based on domestic resources, including palm oil and used cooking oil, for the production of sustainable aviation fuel.
He said the development of biomass-based fuels would be supported by large-scale refinery investments.
“In the future, jet fuel can be produced from palm oil and even used cooking oil. We will invest heavily in this sector,” he said.
Prabowo expressed confidence that these measures would enable Indonesia to achieve energy independence and strengthen national resilience amid global challenges. ***
