UNAIR NEWS 鈥 (UNAIR) hosted the MPR Goes to Campus national seminar, themed The Urgency of Energy Transition in Addressing Climate Change. The event took place at the Garuda Mukti Hall on UNAIR鈥檚 MERR-C Campus on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The seminar featured Dr. Eddy Soeparno, SH, MH, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), and Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, MSi, UNAIR鈥檚 Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Community Development, as keynote speakers. UNAIR Rector, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, MT, Ak, CA, also attended and delivered opening remarks.
Falling behind in energy transition
During his presentation, Soeparno emphasized the urgency of shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy. He noted that Indonesia has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, a commitment established through its ratification of the Paris Agreement under Law No. 16 of 2016.
However, the country鈥檚 renewable energy development remains significantly behind schedule. By the end of 2024, renewable energy sources accounted for only 14% of Indonesia鈥檚 energy mix鈥攚ell below the initial 2025 target of 23%. In response, the government and the House of Representatives (DPR) have adjusted the target to 17鈥19% for this year. 鈥淚f we fail to accelerate the energy transition, we risk falling further behind other nations that have already embraced clean energy,鈥 Soeparno warned.
Dependence on energy imports
Soeparno also addressed Indonesia鈥檚 ongoing challenges in energy security. Despite having abundant renewable resources such as geothermal, solar, and wind energy, the country remains heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports.
“Every day, Indonesia imports one million barrels of crude oil, costing approximately $70 million. Over the course of a year, this represents a massive financial burden and contributes to the national budget deficit,” he explained.
Strategies for advancing the energy transition
Soeparno outlined several key strategies to accelerate the shift toward renewable energy. A primary focus is on electrifying the transportation and industrial sectors. He called for a significant expansion of electric vehicles鈥攂oth private and public鈥攖o sharply reduce fossil fuel consumption. Furthermore, he stressed the need to increase household electrification, including replacing three-kilogram LPG cylinders with induction stoves and expanding household gas networks. 鈥淲e must actively promote electric vehicles and clean energy adoption to ensure a more sustainable energy future for Indonesia,鈥 he stated.
The government is also working to improve fuel quality by introducing Pertalite Green, a new fuel blend containing 10% biofuel. Looking ahead, Indonesia plans to expand biofuel use in the aviation industry through Sustainable Aviation Fuel initiatives. Soeparno reaffirmed that transitioning to cleaner energy is not merely an option but a necessity for safeguarding both the environment and national energy security.
Author: Ameyliarti Bunga Lestari Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
