Indonesia Launches 100 GWp Solar Power Program in Bali

RRI.CO.ID, Bali – Indonesia has set its sights on a massive expansion of renewable energy, with President Prabowo Subianto launching and officiating the groundbreaking of the 100 GWp Solar Power Plant (PLTS) program in Gilimanuk, Jembrana Regency, Bali, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

The initiative, part of the National Priority Work Program under the Energy and Water Self‑Sufficiency Cluster, is designed to strengthen national energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the President has instructed that construction be accelerated and completed by 2029.

“The program will be implemented in stages: 17 GWp in the first phase, 18 GWp in the second, and 30 GWp in the third. It is projected to save up to IDR 73.9 trillion (USD 4.17 billion) annually in electricity costs,” Prasetyo noted.

Indonesia’s solar potential is estimated at 3,294 GWp, yet installed capacity as of April 2026 stood at only 1.5 GWp--underscoring the vast room for growth.

The government has already built 15 renewable energy plants in 2025, including 12 solar facilities and three micro‑hydro plants, serving more than 1,800 households and 131 public facilities.

In 2026, construction continued with 39 integrated solar sites in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions, reaching over 4,200 households.

Unlike fossil‑fuel plants, PLTS facilities convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic modules, making them a cornerstone of Indonesia’s energy transition. The 100 GWp target represents the peak capacity envisioned for the national solar systems.

Beyond power generation, the program includes investment in battery storage, grid infrastructure, and domestic solar PV industry development.

The program is also expected to create significant employment opportunities, with the government projecting 1.7 million new jobs, including more than 760,000 green jobs, under the Electricity Supply Business Plan 2025–2034.

President Prabowo had earlier set a target of 30 GW solar capacity by 2026 while phasing out 13 GW of diesel‑fired plants. The new 100 GWp program marks a dramatic scale‑up, positioning Indonesia to become a major player in renewable energy and to accelerate its transition toward a self‑reliant, sustainable energy system. (Misni Parjiati)