Jakarta, INTI - Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie has called for the development and utilization of natural hydrogen in Indonesia through measurable research and adequate regulatory support.
She made the call during a coordination meeting on natural hydrogen utilization involving the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) and the National Energy Council (DEN).
“The development of natural hydrogen must be carried out in a measurable manner, based on research, and supported by an adequate regulatory framework. With this approach, Indonesia’s potential can be developed to serve national interests,” Stella said in a statement issued in Jakarta on Thursday.
Indonesia Seen as Having Significant Natural Hydrogen Potential
Stella said natural hydrogen could emerge as an energy source with relatively low carbon emissions and production costs.
Indonesia is also considered to have significant natural hydrogen resources, creating opportunities to develop the resource as a low-carbon energy source.
The combination of abundant resources, low potential carbon emissions, and competitive production costs could position Indonesia as one of the countries capable of developing natural hydrogen at a global level.
Natural hydrogen refers to hydrogen generated through geological processes beneath the Earth’s surface, which has the potential to be utilized as a low-carbon energy source.
Universities and Research Institutions Urged to Strengthen Studies
Stella highlighted the important role of universities and research institutions in strengthening natural hydrogen research in Indonesia.
Studies on geological characteristics are among the areas that need greater attention to identify and better understand the country’s natural hydrogen potential.
Research should also cover the development of appropriate exploration methods to locate and utilize these resources.
Universities and research institutions are further encouraged to develop natural hydrogen processing technologies while maintaining safety and sustainability standards.
“Strengthening scientific and technological capacity is an important part of hydrogen research,” Stella said.
Research, Regulation, and Financing Collaboration to Be Accelerated
Stella called on relevant stakeholders to collaborate in accelerating the development of natural hydrogen in Indonesia.
The collaboration is particularly needed across three key areas: research, regulation, and financing for natural hydrogen development.
Universities and research institutions are expected to play a key role in strengthening scientific studies on Indonesia’s natural hydrogen resources.
Stronger scientific research could help Indonesia manage these resources through appropriate exploration and processing technologies.
An approach grounded in science, technology, regulation, and cross-sector collaboration is expected to accelerate the responsible utilization of natural hydrogen while supporting Indonesia’s national energy interests.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s natural hydrogen potential could become an important part of the country’s transition toward a lower-carbon energy system. However, turning this potential into a strategic energy resource will require strong scientific research, advanced exploration and processing technologies, clear regulations, sustainable practices, and adequate financing. Strengthening collaboration among government, universities, research institutions, and industry will be essential to develop natural hydrogen responsibly while building Indonesia’s long-term capabilities in clean energy innovation.
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