Renewable Energy Drives Rural Economy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — Indonesia's state-owned oil, natural gas, and energy corporation, Pertamina, continues to expand the impact of the Independent Energy Village (DEB) Program based on renewable energy to drive independence and economic growth in rural Indonesian communities. This strategic step was reaffirmed during the Pertamina Independent Energy Village Festival 2026 held at Grha Pertamina, Jakarta, from August 27 to 28, 2026.

As of August 2026, Pertamina has successfully operated 269 DEB programs across various parts of the country. This number is targeted to reach 332 program locations by the end of the year to expand clean energy access.

The utilization of eco-friendly technology has proven effective in creating new productivity, such as strengthening food security sectors and rural tourism areas. Capacity building for local communities remains the main key to ensuring sustainable management of renewable energy facilities.

“The basic concept is public awareness so that people can identify renewable energy potential,” Vice President Director of Pertamina Oki Muraza said, quoted from a written press release on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The implementation of appropriate technological innovations involves close collaboration with ministries and national higher education institutions. This synergy focuses on bridging academic research so it can be directly applied according to community needs at the village level.

“We will also be happy to coordinate which technologies have succeeded on campuses and are ready to be implemented in independent energy villages,” Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto stated.

Overall, this clean energy-based partnership program has generated a renewable energy capacity of up to 1.35 MWp and provided economic benefits for hundreds of thousands of residents. This integration of technology and local empowerment serves as tangible proof of Indonesia's commitment to supporting global net-zero emission targets.