Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto is optimistic that Indonesia can halt fuel imports within five years, aligning with the government's goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.
Prabowo made this statement during the inauguration of the Jatigede Hydroelectric Power Plant in Sumedang District, West Java, on Monday.
"We must achieve energy self-sufficiency. I believe that in the near future, we will stop importing fuel. I am confident we can achieve it in five years," he stated.
The president emphasized that energy security is crucial for Indonesia's transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources.
Prabowo noted that energy plays a vital role, particularly given the country's substantial natural resources, that can elevate Indonesia to a developed and industrialized nation to prosper the people.
"I think Indonesia is one of the most advanced countries in energy transformation into renewable, clean, and green energy that reduces carbon emissions," the president emphasized.
During the event, the head of state symbolically inaugurated 37 strategic national electricity projects comprising 26 power plants with a combined capacity of 3.2 gigawatts and 11 transmission networks and electrical substations across 18 provinces.
In his address, Prabowo expressed pride in this significant achievement and praised the work and collaboration of all parties involved in this project.
"Maybe it needs to be verified, but this is the largest energy project in the world. This is the work of our nation from institutions and agencies," he affirmed.
In addition to the power plant, the project encompasses the construction of a transmission network spanning 739.71 circuit kilometers and a substation with a capacity of 1,740 megavolt ampere.
Prabowo stated that this infrastructure is a crucial foundation for supporting economic transformation towards an industrialized nation.
Among those present at the inauguration were Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung, West Java Acting Governor Bey Machmudin, West Java Elected Governor Dedi Mulyadi, and President Director of PT PLN Darmawan Prasodjo.
