RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia has officially designated the waters off Nusa Penida, Bali, as the site for developing an Ocean Current Power Plant (OCPP) based on its strong ocean current potential. According to an official press release from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, this policy represents a strategic step toward a clean energy transition that has drawn international attention in line with the country’s commitment to sustainable maritime development.

The selection of the waters off Nusa Penida was based on measurements of ocean current speeds, the availability of transportation infrastructure, existing local policies, and readiness for interconnection with the onshore power grid. With this infrastructure framework in place, water turbines will be installed to provide a stable supply of environmentally friendly electricity.

“Our marine space holds tremendous renewable energy potential, ranging from offshore wind and floating solar PV to ocean current and wave energy. To transform this potential into a viable resource, we need precise, integrated, and sustainable spatial management," Director General of Marine Spatial Planning Kartika Listriana said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Kartika explained that primary challenges today include the surging demand for green and blue economic development, as well as the need to mitigate global climate change. Therefore, synergy among stakeholders is essential so that regulations governing marine spatial use remain adaptive to future advancements in energy technology.

From the local government’s perspective, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster expressed his hope that Bali would achieve energy self-sufficiency by utilizing clean energy resources. The Ocean Current Power Plant in the Nusa Penida area is projected to become fully operational by 2029.

To support the operation of this clean energy plant, the Bali Provincial Government is preparing a draft Governor’s Decree designating Nusa Penida as a low-emission zone. This local regulatory measure aligns with calls from academics to accelerate the implementation of renewable energy projects.

Renewable energy expert at ITB and researcher at the University of Maryland, Dwi Susanto, emphasized that Indonesia’s ocean current energy potential will not yield tangible results without active public participation and strong government support. The active involvement of all key stakeholders remains a decisive factor in ensuring that the utilization of ocean currents is successfully optimized.