President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo vows that the government will soon fix the investment procedures and licensing of geothermal power plant in an attempt to achieve the green electricity target much faster than the currently five to six years.
“This must be fixed as soon as possible so investors could immediately explore and develop the 24,000 megawatts of geothermal capacity and that we will have more green electricity soon. If we wait to do so, we can imagine that investors may have to wait for 5 to 6 years to start the construction,” the president told the opening of the 10th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
Indonesia, which is home to the world’s largest geothermal potential at about 40 percent, has a great opportunity to develop the geothermal energy because currently only 9 percent of the potential is utilized.
“Besides, Indonesia is also committed to being an important part of the global movement in building the green economy, in developing the green industry, in transitioning to green energy. This is a commitment that I often convey everywhere,” Jokowi said.
The president said further that in the transition to green energy, almost all governments in developing countries, are asked to deal with the dilemma of energy availability, people’s access to energy and use of technology.
“We understand that the business must have its own calculation and consideration, including turnover and other issues related to profits and losses. This is what we should consider together. However, the issue of climate change is a common issue, a global issue, be it the government of a developing country or a developed country, be it entrepreneurs, researchers, or people all over the world,” he said.
Jokowi expressed hope that the Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition would produce major breakthroughs that could be the middle point to share the risks, the burdens, and the benefits with balanced proportion that enables decisions to be made and work to be executed immediately.
In the last decade, Indonesian companies such as Pertamina, PLN and private companies have established geothermal power plants.
“And we have five more geothermal power plants, I think it is very good. Therefore, we hope that major steps in green energy transition can be taken together to create inclusive welfare, fair energy access, and a better world life,” the president concluded.
