Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has launched 14 solar power projects as the first phase of the country’s solar power programme targeting 100 GW-peak (GWp) of solar capacity by 2029, with a total investment value of $73bn (Rp1,140tn).
The programme was inaugurated at the Java-Bali Sea Crossing Operation Monument in Gilimanuk, Bali.
The 14 projects, with a combined capacity of 5.3 GW, are part of Indonesia’s efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase its renewable energy generation.
Two of the projects are currently operational, while six are under construction and a further six are due to be offered to investors.
According to a senior official at the Ministry of Energy, Eniya Listiani Dewi, the total investment in these 14 projects is estimated at Rp135tn.
The government aims to reach 30 GWp of solar capacity in 2026 and intends to decommission 13 GW of diesel-powered plants.
Indonesia’s Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said in a written statement as reported by the Jakarta Globe: “The president has instructed that the development of 100GWp of solar power capacity be accelerated and completed by 2029, with estimated electricity cost savings of Rp73.9tn ($4.5bn) per year. In 2026, the government is targeting the development of 30GWp of solar power capacity while retiring 13GW of diesel-fired power plants.”
Among the newly launched initiatives is the 300 MWp Gilimanuk solar power plant, which is expected to generate up to 470 GWh of electricity annually and reduce fuel consumption by 151 million litres per year, reported the Jakarta Globe.
Other projects in the current package include PLTS Madura at 605 MW-peak (MWp), PLTS Jatigede (636 MWp) and PLTS Cirata (1.25 GWp).
The rollout will proceed in stages, initially targeting 17 GWp, 18 GWp and 30 GWp, for a combined 65 GWp, before reaching the 100 GWp goal.
Indonesia estimates its solar energy potential at around 3.29 TW-peak, but current installed solar capacity is approximately 1.5 GWp.
The government plans to expand renewable energy infrastructure into remote, frontier and underserved areas to improve access to electricity.
In addition to increasing power generation, officials anticipate that the expansion of solar capacity will benefit local industries such as solar cell manufacturing, battery production and electricity transmission.
