Jakarta, INTI - Bali Governor I Wayan Koster is accelerating the province’s transition toward clean energy independence by promoting the wider adoption of solar energy. As part of this effort, he has urged state electricity company PLN to expand the quota for rooftop solar power (PLTS) installations.
Koster highlighted that the provincial government has already introduced Governor Circular Letter No. 5 of 2022 on the utilization of rooftop solar power systems, as well as Governor Regulation No. 48 of 2019 promoting battery electric vehicles. However, the implementation of these policies has been constrained by limitations on rooftop solar deployment.
“This initiative is now moving forward. I have been in discussions with PLN’s President Director. At first, the negotiations were difficult, but gradually there has been greater support,” Koster said during the Indonesia Solar Summit 2026 on Tuesday (14 July).
Initially, Bali was allocated only 20% of the national rooftop solar quota. Following extensive discussions, the province is expected to receive an allocation of up to 500 MW for rooftop solar development.
Bali Pushes for Greater Rooftop Solar Adoption
During the summit, Koster repeatedly encouraged PLN to provide greater flexibility for regions seeking to maximize their solar energy potential while setting aside competing interests related to coal-fired power generation.
“We should give regions every opportunity to utilize solar energy so that the transition can move forward more quickly,” he said.
Echoing this view, Fabby Tumiwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), said Bali has strong potential to become a low-carbon tourism destination powered by solar energy. The initiative also aligns with the government's national target of developing 100 GW of solar power capacity, including rooftop solar installations on government buildings, industrial estates, tourism areas, reservoirs, villages, small islands, and other economic growth centers across Indonesia.
Expanding Renewable Power Generation
Beyond rooftop solar, Koster also outlined plans to develop gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 1,550 MW to support Bali's energy transition while maintaining reliable electricity supply.
The project reflects Bali's commitment to preserving its environment as both a living space and Indonesia's premier tourism destination. According to Koster, the plan has been agreed upon with Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia and PLN.
Construction will begin this year with a 200 MW gas-fired power plant in Pesanggaran, Denpasar, followed by phased development until the entire project is completed in 2031.
“If this plan is successfully implemented, air pollution from power generation will be eliminated,” Koster said, while acknowledging that the transportation sector remains another major source of emissions requiring further attention.
Conclusion
Bali is strengthening its commitment to clean energy by promoting wider adoption of rooftop solar systems and expanding sustainable power infrastructure. Through closer collaboration with PLN and continued investment in renewable energy projects, the province aims to achieve greater energy independence, reduce carbon emissions, and position itself as a leading low-carbon tourism destination while supporting Indonesia’s broader energy transition.
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