Jakarta, INTI - The government continues to accelerate the development of solar power plants (PLTS) as a key pillar of its national energy transition strategy. An ambitious target of reaching 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity has been set, alongside efforts to expand electricity access to remote and underserved regions.
Head of the Presidential Staff Office, Muhammad Qodari, emphasized that energy security is a fundamental cornerstone in achieving national self-reliance. He noted that expanding electricity access, combined with the adoption of renewable energy, is a strategic step toward ensuring equitable energy distribution across Indonesia.
Scaling Up Solar Capacity for National Energy Transition
Solar power utilization has shown steady progress. By 2025, the country’s installed PLTS capacity had reached 1.49 GW, serving as an important foundation toward achieving significantly larger targets in the coming years.
“The positive impact of this energy transition is strongly felt by communities in remote areas through the Off-Grid Isolated Solar Program (Village Electrification Program),” Qodari stated on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
One clear example of this initiative can be seen in Sumenep Regency, East Java, where 500 households on Sakala Island and 400 households on Karamian Island now have access to electricity generated by solar power systems with a combined capacity of 275 kWp.
Prior to the introduction of solar energy, residents in these areas relied on diesel-powered generators with limited operating hours and heavy dependence on fuel supply. Today, they benefit from more stable, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient electricity sourced from solar energy.
Expanding Electrification Through Government Support Programs
In addition to expanding solar infrastructure, the government is also accelerating the Electricity Installation Assistance Program (BPBL) to further increase national electrification. As of March 11, 2026, electricity installations had reached 220,857 households, or 102.72% of the initial target.
The BPBL program provides comprehensive support, including electrical installations with three light points, one power outlet, installation certification, a 900 VA connection, and an initial electricity token worth IDR 100,000.
Qodari highlighted that access to safe and legal electricity brings significant social and economic benefits. Beyond meeting basic lighting needs, electricity enhances economic productivity, supports children’s learning activities at night, and improves the overall quality of life for low-income communities.
“On a national scale, the BPBL program also strengthens energy resilience by expanding electricity access to previously underserved populations,” Qodari concluded.
Conclusion
Overall, Indonesia’s accelerated solar power development and electrification programs reflect a strong commitment to building energy resilience while ensuring inclusive access to electricity. By combining renewable energy expansion with targeted social programs, the government is not only advancing its energy transition agenda but also improving livelihoods in previously underserved communities.
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