Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has set an ambitious target to accelerate the country’s transition toward renewable energy, aiming to complete the development of 17 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity within 2026. The initiative represents a major step in reducing reliance on diesel-based electricity generation while strengthening long-term energy security.
The target was confirmed following a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, where Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto outlined the government’s roadmap for expanding solar infrastructure. According to Brian, the president emphasized the urgency of accelerating solar deployment as part of a broader strategy to modernize Indonesia’s energy system.
“The President inquired about the progress and requested an acceleration,” Brian said, indicating that the directive reflects a top-level policy priority rather than a long-term aspiration.
Indonesia’s push to scale up solar capacity comes amid growing concerns over the economic and environmental costs associated with diesel-powered electricity generation. Diesel plants, commonly referred to as PLTD, remain widely used across the archipelago, particularly in remote and outer regions where grid connectivity is limited.
However, these plants are not only carbon-intensive but also costly to operate due to fluctuating global oil prices. This creates a significant fiscal burden for the government, which subsidizes electricity to maintain affordability for households and businesses.
By replacing diesel plants with solar power installations, policymakers aim to reduce subsidy pressures while improving efficiency across the national energy system. Solar energy, once installed, offers relatively stable operating costs and aligns with global trends toward decarbonization.
Brian noted that the 17 GW target includes both the addition of new solar capacity and the gradual phase-out of diesel-based generation. The plan is being developed through coordinated efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, PLN, the sovereign investment entity Danantara, and academic experts.
“For now, based on joint calculations, approximately 17 gigawatts can be installed with solar power plants,” he said.
While the target has been clearly defined, details regarding the specific locations of the solar installations have yet to be disclosed. The responsibility for site selection and project execution has been assigned to PLN, which will act as the primary implementer of the program.
This centralized approach reflects the need for coordinated planning across Indonesia’s geographically dispersed regions. Solar deployment requires careful consideration of factors such as solar irradiance levels, land availability, grid integration capacity, and proximity to demand centers.
PLN’s role will be critical not only in determining optimal locations but also in ensuring that new solar capacity can be effectively integrated into the national electricity grid. This includes managing intermittency challenges associated with solar generation and potentially investing in complementary technologies such as energy storage systems.
The scale of the planned expansion—17 GW within a single year—represents a significant logistical and engineering challenge. It will require streamlined permitting processes, robust supply chains for photovoltaic components, and substantial investment in supporting infrastructure.
The solar expansion initiative is part of a broader policy framework established by President Prabowo to accelerate Indonesia’s transition to clean energy. Earlier this year, the government formed a dedicated task force to oversee the conversion of fossil fuel-based power plants to renewable alternatives.
The task force is led by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, who has been tasked with coordinating cross-sector efforts to achieve the country’s energy transition goals.
“The President has formed a task force team to expedite energy conversion,” Bahlil said in a previous statement, underscoring the administration’s commitment to structural reform in the energy sector.
According to Bahlil, the long-term ambition extends well beyond the initial 17 GW target. The government is aiming to convert diesel-based power capacity into solar generation totaling up to 100 GW over time. This would represent a transformative shift in Indonesia’s energy mix, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
“By converting from diesel to solar power, we will achieve efficiency in our electricity subsidies,” he added.
The move toward large-scale solar deployment carries significant economic implications. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels can help stabilize the country’s trade balance and shield the economy from global price volatility. At the same time, lower subsidy requirements could free up fiscal space for other development priorities.
From an environmental perspective, the transition is expected to contribute to Indonesia’s climate commitments by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. As one of the world’s largest economies and a major energy consumer in Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s policy choices have broader regional and global significance.
The expansion of solar energy also has the potential to stimulate domestic industries, including manufacturing, installation, and maintenance services. This could create new employment opportunities and support the development of a green economy.
However, the transition is not without challenges. Large-scale solar deployment requires substantial upfront investment, and the intermittency of solar power necessitates complementary systems to ensure reliability. Addressing these issues will be essential to achieving sustainable outcomes.
Indonesia’s solar expansion plan is part of a wider effort to diversify its energy mix and enhance resilience against external shocks. The country has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels, including coal and diesel, but is increasingly exploring renewable alternatives such as solar, geothermal, and bioenergy.
The government’s approach reflects a pragmatic balance between immediate needs and long-term goals. While renewable energy offers clear advantages, transitioning an entire national grid requires careful sequencing and coordination across multiple sectors.
The involvement of institutions such as PLN and Danantara indicates a recognition that both operational expertise and financial capacity are critical to the success of the initiative. Collaboration with academic institutions also highlights the importance of technical analysis and evidence-based policymaking.
As Indonesia moves forward with its solar expansion plans, the focus will shift from policy formulation to implementation. Key milestones will include finalizing project locations, securing financing, and initiating construction across multiple sites.
The success of the program will depend on the government’s ability to maintain momentum while addressing technical and logistical challenges. Ensuring transparency and accountability in project execution will also be important to build public confidence and attract private sector participation.
If achieved, the 17 GW target would mark a significant milestone in Indonesia’s energy transition, positioning the country as a regional leader in renewable energy development. It would also demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale solar deployment in emerging economies with complex geographic and infrastructural conditions.
Ultimately, the initiative reflects a broader shift in Indonesia’s development strategy—one that prioritizes sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in the face of evolving global energy dynamics.
