Jakarta, INTI – Indonesia holds great potential to achieve self-reliance in solar energy technology by leveraging its abundant natural resources. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) believes that advanced materials based on locally sourced ingredients can be the key to developing sustainable new and renewable energy (NRE), while also reducing dependence on imports.
Yuliar Firdaus, a researcher at BRIN’s Electronics Research Center (PRE), stated that Indonesia has the potential not only to become a user but also a leader in photovoltaic (PV) technology research in Southeast Asia. This can be realized through the development of raw materials for active components, electrodes, and transport layers in solar cells derived from local resources.
Focus on Next-Generation Materials
According to Yuliar, several solar cell materials such as organic polymers, perovskite, and tandem perovskite-silicon are now in the global spotlight as the future of solar technology. However, development in Indonesia still faces challenges, ranging from the absence of a national research roadmap, a shortage of solar cell researchers, limited research infrastructure, to high reliance on imported materials.
Nevertheless, he is optimistic that local potential can be maximized through collaboration between the government, industry, and universities. “We have abundant natural resources. With an integrated approach, local materials can serve as the foundation for competitive solar energy innovation,” he said at the 2025 Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) held at Sasana Budaya Ganesha, ITB.
BRIN’s Strategic Role in Research Downstreaming
BRIN reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening research on third-generation or emerging PV cells. Through collaboration with academia, industry players, and policymakers, BRIN seeks to drive the downstreaming of research results so they can be practically implemented in the energy sector.
This initiative will not only strengthen national energy resilience but also open investment opportunities in NRE technologies based on Indonesia’s natural wealth. In doing so, Indonesia can reduce import dependency, increase industrial added value, and contribute to global efforts toward clean energy.
Conclusion:
BRIN encourages the utilization of local materials as a key strategy to achieve self-reliance in solar energy technology in Indonesia. Through cross-sector collaboration and a focus on next-generation material research, Indonesia has the potential to become a leader in photovoltaic research in Southeast Asia, reduce import dependency, strengthen national energy resilience, and support the transition toward clean energy.
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