Jakarta (Greeners) – Dalam mendukung transisi energi yang adil dan berkelanjutan, tidak hanya berdasarkan target penurunan emisi semata. Indonesia perlu menggenjot bauran energi terbarukan dan memikirkan dampak sosial dan ekonominya terhadap lingkungan dan masyarakat.

Transisi energi yang adil (just energy transition) penting untuk mengurangi upaya emisi gas rumah Kaca (GRK) untuk memenuhi target 31,89 % yang dokumen Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (ENDC) tetapkan.

Namun faktanya, saat ini pemahaman dan penerapan prinsip keadilan dalam proses transisi energi menyimpang dari pemahaman yang benar.

Direktur Eksekutif Yayasan PIKUL Indonesia Torry Kuswardono mengatakan, transisi energi saat ini adalah salah logical fallacy. Sebab transisi energi tetap menggunakan logika pertumbuhan ekonomi yang tetap mengandalkan eksploitasi.

Menurutnya, langkah mitigasi krisis iklim dalam transisi energi harus adil dan menjamin terjadinya integrasi ekosistem, lingkungan, dan sosial. Torry menilai transisi energi tidak hanya berdasarkan target penurunan emisi semata.

Tetapi harus mempertimbangkan keseluruhan siklus dari sektor energi dan membuat penilaian untuk memahami kemampuan beradaptasi dan dampak dari berbagai faktor di daerah yang mengalami transisi energi tersebut.

Optimalisasi Energi Terbarukan

Lembaga Trend Asia juga berpandangan, dalam mengoptimalkan energi terbarukan di Indonesia harus menjunjung akuntabilitas, transparansi, dan partisipatif. Selanjutnya penghormatan, pemenuhan, dan perlindungan hak asasi manusia, keadilan ekologis dan ekonomi serta transformatif.

Empat langkah strategis yang dapat dilakukan adalah mempercepat pensiun dini PLTU dan mengakhiri pertambangan batu bara. Selain itu meninggalkan solusi-solusi palsu transisi energi, reformasi PLN dan kebijakan energi.

Harus pula ada perancangan dan implementasi transisi energi untuk memastikan transisi berjalan secara berkelanjutan dengan menekankan partisipasi publik dan proses yang bottom-up.

Solusi Transisi Energi yang Adil

Indonesia mempunyai target 23 % untuk bauran energi terbarukan pada tahun 2025. Namun, sejauh ini presentase tersebut pencapaiannya masih rendah sekitar 11 hingga 12 persen. Pasalnya, masih banyak kebijakan pemerintah yang bertantangan dan masih berpihak pada industri fosil.

Kini masih ada 13,8 Giga Watt PLTU yang dipertahankan pemerintah untuk terus dibangun tanpa tenggat waktu. Tujuannya untuk menghentikan pembangunan pembangkit batu bara baru, dan masih banyak insentif bagi industri batu bara.

Sebagai upaya menemukan solusi untuk transisi energi yang adil, Traction Energy Asia sendiri telah melakukan riset perbandingan. Riset ini untuk membandingkan dampak lingkungan sosial dan ekonomi dari PLTU (Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Uap) Jawa 7 untuk pasokan listrik Jawa Bali yang berbahan bakar batu bara dengan PLTB (Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Bayu) Sidrap 1 di Sulawesi Selatan.

Perbandingan ini menunjukkan, polusi pencemaran dari PLTU Jawa 7 berdampak negatif bagi nelayan. Alasannya mereka tidak dapat dapat mencari ikan akibat pencemaran air yang cukup tinggi. Sedangkan PLTB Sidrap 1 justru tidak menimbulkan polusi udara, sehingga masyarakat dapat beraktivitas seperti biasa.

Penulis : Dini Jembar Wardani

Editor : Ari Rikin

Jakarta (Greeners) – Indonesia Mining and Energy Forum (IMEF) argues that renewable energy in the country is far from achieving its targets, including eight percent of renewable energy, electricity and non-electricity, by the end of 2018. The target is announced as part of 23 percent of national target in the National Energy Plan or RUEN.

In addition, it also failed to meet the-16-percent target stated in the 2015-19 Mid Term National Development Planning and the failures to issue the mineral, energy, and coal bills by the government and House of Representatives.

Fabby Tumiwa, director executive of Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), said that the government is still trying to reach the 23 percent target through electricity and liquid fuel.

“For liquid fuel, of course, there’s B20 and it will aim for B30. Then, there’s the discussion to develop green diesel in the future, though I have no clue what kind of green diesel. I think it will push for renewable energy fuels. However, we need to push more electricity as it’s way behind. We targeted 35GW by 2035,” said Tumiwa in Jakarta, on Thursday (17/01/2019).

READ ALSO: Abundant Renewable Energy Potential in Indonesia but Still Minimum Use 

Furthermore, he said that renewable energy power plants development between 2015 and 2018 is below 250 MW per year, in average. Lower compare to 2010 and 2014 development.

The current condition, he said, will make it harder for the government to achieve the 23 percent target by 2025 as stipulated in the presidential decrees issued in 2014 and 2017.

“Hence, the government needs to set up strategies, plans, annual targets to achieve the renewable energy mix targets as stipulated by Energy Law, National Energy Policy and RUEN,” he said.

The inconsistency in the policies and regulations related to renewable energy for the past two years have increased the risks for investors and developers of the energy.

These issues scare away foreign investors to other countries with clearer regulations for them.

“One of the obstacles in renewable energy industry is the inconsistency of regulation. Within one to the last two years, there were three changes of ministerial regulations on renewable energy. Meanwhile, foreign already set up investments based on previous regulations, need to change again because of the changes. So, the government need to think macro, that the key is not just regulations, but the money and investors,” said Fauzi Imron, a member of IMEF and representative of Indonesia’s Commerce and Industry Chamber (KADIN) for New and Renewable Energy.

READ ALSO: KLHK: Law Stipulates Waste-To-Energy Installation 

Furthermore, Imron said that electricity from renewable energy from private sector is depending on the availability and demand of PT PLN as the owner of business and electricity network.

“However, they failed to increase growth of renewable energy development. Are we willing to depend on PT PLN if this continues on?” he said.

Reports by Dewi Purningsih

Jakarta (Greeners) – To tackle global climate change, Indonesia has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emission 29 percent by 2030. Indonesian government has targeted for energy sector to contribute 11 percent or 314 million tons of CO2. Nevertheless, there is a gap policy between fossil fuel and renewable energy.

Based on Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, renewable energy potential use is only two percent, — geothermal with a total potential of 11.0 Gigawatt, with 17.5 Gigawatt as reserve, and 1,949 Gigawatt or 0.44 percent for geothermal power plant, water with a total potential of 75 Gigawatt (19.3 Gigawatt), hydro fueled power plant realization (5,124 Gigawatt) and micro-hydro power plant 0,216 Gigawatt (or 1.21 percent), bio-energy with potential for 32.6 Gigawatt bio fueled power plant, biofuels for 200,000 barrel per day, bio fueled realization of 1,840 Gigawatt (0.42 percent), wind energy with a potential of 60.6 Gigawatt, wind power plant realization of 76.1 Megawatt (0,0002 percent), solar energy with a potential of 207.8 Gigawatt solar power plant, 0,090 Gigawatt peak (0.02 percent) and ocean energy with a potential of 17.9 Gigawatt, which have yet to be managed.

“There are lots energy have yet to be managed. From the total of renewable energy of 441.7 Gigawatt, there was only 9.29 Gigawatt installed or two percent. It means there are lots of obstacles and challenges we need to address and fix,” said Mustaba Ari, head of infrastructure monitoring of New and Renewable Energy and Conservation Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta.

READ ALSO: ICCTF Funds 76 Climate Change Projects in Indonesia 

One of the challenges is the funding. Ari said that renewable energy is still expensive and less competitive compare to cheap fossil fuel. In addition, there is still no support or subsidy to make renewable energy being implemented.

“Renewable energy is expensive, automatically, people’s purchase power needs to be higher. However, this non-emission renewable energy and this is inversely proportional with fossil fuel with cheap price, low purchase power, but with emission. Which one will you choose,” said Ari.

Meanwhile, Moekti Handajani Soejachmoen, assistant to Special Envoy for Climate Change, said the challenge for renewable energy is price competition or lower price. Furthermore, Soejachmoen said that current policy does not accommodate and consider greenhouse gas emission and CO2 emission are the burden and price borne by fossil.

“Our fossil energy does not include the environment costs and does not include costs of CO2 emission which affected greenhouse gas emission, so, it will definitely be cheap. If we agree (fossil fuel) must be cheap to be affordable, but we need to look 20 years ahead, for instance, if there’s climate change, then we’re down,” she said in Jakarta, on Wednesday (1/08/2018). “It’s different with renewable energy which at first can be expensive but there’s no emission.”

BACA JUGA: Indonesian and Japanese Scientists to Develop Sorghum for Biofuel 

Based on British Petroleum & Gapminder, fossil fuel is one of the main greenhouse gas emitter. Indonesia is ranked 14th for fossil fuel consumption, coming from power plants and industry with major and significant emission in the national emission mix.

“We hope this renewable energy can be developed because fossil will, at the end, run out. Currently, we have issues with imported fossil fuel and expensive, however, we can use that as the reason to develop renewable energy as it will get cheaper and fossil fuel will get expensive in the long run,” she said adding that energy sector can meet 11 percent target as planned by Nationally Determined Contribution, but, there’s a need to change the policy on fossil fuel use.

Reports by Dewi Purningsih

Pasuruan (Greeners) – Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources installed communal biogas in Al Yasini Islamic Boarding School of Wonorejo, Pasuruan, East Java on early April benefiting its thousands of students.

“I would like to thank the government, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, for the communal biogas installation in our school. It is benefiting for our students,” said Headmaster of Al Yasini, Mujib Imron on Thursday (26/4).

READ ALSO: KLHK: Law Stipulates Waste-To-Energy Installation

Communal biogas installation was inaugurated by Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on April 17, 2018 which included 50 units of water closet, one unit waste water installation, one biogas digester, two biogas lamps, and four biogas stoves for 3,000 students in the boarding school.

“The grant can save operational costs of the school and keep the environment clean. Waste from the students can be reused as energy and with more water closets, they will not have to wait in line to use the toilet which makes them late for class. That’s the added value of this biogas installation,” Imron said.

Furthermore, he said that the ministry also promised to built large well of 3,000 people capacity and solar panel installation. Minister Ignatius Jonan stated that the boarding school can become the pioneer of renewable energy.

“During the inauguration, Minister Jonan was willing to built well and solar panel, we were asked to provide for the lands. He was very happy if Islamic boarding school can be the pioneer of renewable energy,” he said.

READ ALSO: ESDM: New and Renewable Energy No Longer An Option

Pasuruan district government appreciated the ministry for choosing the school to implement government’s program to add more renewable energy installation.

“The grant given to Islamic boarding schools is appropriate because the district has 365 boarding schools, more numbers compare to the total of 341 villages. Hence, the grant from the ministry will bring benefit to the school,” he said adding that it was cleaner after they installed the biogas communal. In addition, the students can also cook using the stoves to save gas and wood.

Reports by MA/G12

Jakarta (Greeners) – President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo on Thursday (12/4) signed a regulation to accelerate waste management installation to energy using environmentally friendly technology which aims to reduce waste volume and improve people’s welfare.

“Application of waste management is to achieve added value of turning waste into electricity,” as quoted under Article 2, Clause 3, Presidential Regulation No. 35 Year 2018.

Based on the regulation, the installation, locally known as PLTSa, will be the domain of regional administrations of DKI Jakarta, Tangerang, South Tangerang, Bekasi, Bandung, Semarang, Surakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Denpasar, Palembang and Manado.

“Those cities are struggling with waste issues,” said Andriah Feby Misna, Director of Bioenergy, Directorate General Renewable New Energy and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, on Saturday (21/4).

Furthermore, Misna said that despite regional administration is responsible for waste management development, it should also requires the cooperation of district or city administrations within the region. “The cooperation can be conducted under an agreement as long as Waste Management is using provincial asset,” she said. “The authority to develop waste management is entirely up to regional’s. To accelerate PLTSa, based on the regulation, governor or mayor can assign Regional Owned Enterprise or through Business tenders.”

In addition, waste managers and developers are stipulated to meet permit environmental and electrical requirements in accordance to the regulation.

Electricity Can Be Sold To State Electricity Company (PLN)

After assigning or determining the managers and developers, governors or mayors propose to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources to provide instruction to buy electricity from PLTSa by State Electricity Company (PLN).

“It is not about the environment but also producing electricity to be sold to PLN,” said Misna.

The pricing from PLN is also set under the regulation with requirements 13.35 cent/kWh up to 20 MW connected to high voltage, mid voltage, and low voltage or more than 20 MW connected to high voltage or mid voltage will be 14.54 – (0,076 times the capacity sold to PLN).

“The purchase price by PLN has also included cost of network connection from PLTSa to the company’s electrical power,” as stated in the regulation.

On financing, the regulation stated that it will be funded from regional budget and can be supported by state budget and/or other legal sources in accordance with regulations.

The presidential regulation takes effect after signing on April 16, 2018.

Reports by Dewi Purningsih

Jakarta (Greeners) – Indonesian Institute for Sciences (LIPI) collaborating with Japan launched Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development, or SATREPS, to develop sorghum as biomass alternative energy to replace depleting oil as fuel, said a senior researcher in Bogor, on Wednesday (21/3).

I Made Sudiana, lead researcher of Biology Center, LIPI, said 20 million hectares of marginal lands, mostly shrubs, were not managed, leading to the institute working with Kyoto University to develop sorghum as biomass energy as the plant can grow in dry marginal lands.

“One and possible way is to use or plant sorghum as it grow fast, resist to dry weather, and can grow in critical lands. Sorghum can also be used for other uses such as food, health, building material, and bio-pellet for its high energy source with 20 to 30 percent of linen,” said Sudiana in a press conference.

READ ALSO: Indonesian Scientists Develop Bioethanol from Palm Oil Waste

Furthermore, sorghum development can restore food diversity and culture as the staple of East Nusa Tenggara. Currently, sorghum has been less being planted by local people and are hard to find.

“For biomass, sorghum is extracted similar to sugar cane. I have found one cooperation in East Nusa Tenggara that can make bio-ethanol based on sorghum, make it as alcohol and distributes it to pharmacies. Next, the wastes from extraction can be changed into bio-material,” said Arief Noor, Food Nutrition Researcher of LIPI.

Sorgum (Sorghum spp.). Photo: greeners.co/Dewi Purningsih

Furthermore, Sudiana said that sorghum to be developed as biomass would need long time as first phase will only be finalized in 2021, meanwhile LIPI had already developed the research since 2010 and only in 2018 can be developed into the technology. In addition, the project is expected to produce sustainable rectification model.

READ ALSO: Land Use Change Threatens Fisheries and Agriculture

Head of Botanical Garden – Plant Conservation Center Didik Widyatmoko, said the SATREPS project comprised capacity building for researchers, training, conferences in Indonesia and Japan, research studies availability, lab equipment loans from Japanese government o Indonesia’s institution under JICA funding scheme.

“Other aim for SATREPS is to revitalize Treub lab, established in May 30, 186 and manages to produce significant findings for botany science,” said Widyatmoko.

Furthermore, he said that 53 lab equipment has been donated for SATREPS by 2018 to LIPI. The equipment including PCR machine, Photosynthetic Ratemeter, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Microplate Reader, and Hydraulic Compression Molding Machine have been installed in labs in LIPI, especially Deputy of Life Sciences.

Reports by Dewi Purningsih

Jakarta (Greeners) – Indonesian Geothermal Association targets 7,200 MW development by 2025, said its chief, Abadi Purnomo, at 5th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition (IIGCE) 2017, in Jakarta, on Monday (22/5).

Purnomo admitted the target was ambitious as only 1,643.5 MW was installed. The remaining 5,700 MW would be needed to be developed for ten years or 550 MW per year. Hence, he said, breakthroughs were needed to be able to achieve the target, such as suppress all costs starting from survey, exploration, drilling to develop power plant to be able to reach affordable price.

“It is hard but opportunities to develop geothermal are still widely open for the 2025 target to be reached,” he said.

READ ALSO: KLHK Ensures Geothermal As Environmentally-Friendly

Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Rida Mulyana, said that the event showed that geothermal activities still exist and will continue as expected to achieve government’s target to provide electricity from renewable energy with the target of 7,200 MW by 2025 under Government Regulation issued in 2014.

“Indonesian Geothermal Association is government’s partner in giving inputs, scientific research, to speed up the development of geothermal in Indonesia,” said Mulyana. “Hence, the IIGCE 2017 will serve as a report to be submitted as an input for government.”

READ ALSO: ESDM: New and Renewable Energy No Longer An Option

API dubbed the theme “Moving Forward Under Current Challenges, Obstacles, and Opportunities toward Achieving Geothermal Development 2025 Target, which in line considering current economical situation, policies, and regulations.

The event took place on May 18, 2017, was official agenda of the association where stakeholders gathered with government, companies, academicians, international institutions, and industries.

The event was attended by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan, Deputy Chief of House of Representatives Agus Hermanto, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati, and President and CEO Supreme Energy Supramo Santosa.

Reports by Danny Kosasih

Jakarta (Greeners) – Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) ensures geothermal project development will be minimum potential of toxic and dangerous pollution, either for human or environment, said a senior official, in Jakarta, on Saturday (11/3).

Karlianysah, director general of pollution and environmental damage control, ministry of environment and forestry, said that only one out of 14 geothermal companies received poor performance on the annual company performance rating, known as Proper, in 2015-16.

“That’s not because of the process but more to waste water permit,” said Karliansyah adding that no geothermal operational has posed any threats for environment.

Nevertheless, he said that initial exploration process needed to be carried out cautiously.

“So, there are no problems [for the environment], let along damaging water springs,” he added.

READ ALSO: 7 Presidential Instructions on Mercury Use in Small Mining

Director of Geothermal, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yunus Saefulhak, said that geothermal, technical, will not damage water springs as it would only extract its steam.

The steam will move the turbine and water resulted from the process will be re-injected to the 2500 – 3000 meters of well.

Saefulhak said it was a closed process and the water will be returned back to earth. He said that geothermal companies will definitely protect the environment where they operate as they need water for the process.

“It’s impossible to damage water springs as the depth of geothermal is 2500 to 3000 meters. Water springs usually 200-300 meters and it has connection between water in the surface with water in 2500 meter deep,” he explained.

READ ALSO: Lawmakers Recommends To Establish State Owned Company for Geothermal

Rere Christanto, executive director of Indonesian Forum for the Environment chapter East Java, said geothermal projects need to be reviewed, especially on dozens of mountains in East Java.

“Geothermal, in practice, needs large amount of water to produce steam to generate the turbine,” said Christanto as quoted by Greeners on November, 2016.

Furthermore, Christanto said that mining business also operate for geothermal such as in Lawu Mountain, Arjuno-Welirang Mountain, Bromo Mountain, Lemongan Mountain, Wilis Mountain, Ijen Mountain and other mountains.

These mountains also serve as water springs for local people. “The use of water in large scale will definitely drain out water springs,” said Christanto.

Reports by Danny Kosasih

Bandung (Greeners) – Gadgets, such as smartphones, laptop to tablet, have become daily necessities which provide a new problem for their users in accessing electricity in public spaces.

A group of college students of Information and Autonomous Control System Laboratory (INACOS), Telkom University, working together with Schneider Electric Campus Ambassador, created a charging station powered by bicycle at a city park, Bike for Charge.

The Bandung Park Charging station was launched at Bandung Film Park on Sunday (18/12).

The project is aiming to create one device to produce electricity using kinetic energy from cycling or solar panel use.

“People abuse energy, we consume and we pay. But, we should have started to manage electricity, wisely. The device is giving the message that to obtain electricity is difficult and needs efforts,” said Zanuar Galang, head of the Grand Launching Bandung Park Charging Station.

The Bike for Charge was inspired by the same project applied in Paris and Amsterdam.

Gadget users need to pedal the Bike for Charge where the energy transformed into electricity and charged their electronic devices. Bike for Charge has two seats capacity with one pedals to produce one to 2.1 ampere of electricity.

During pedaling, electricity will be produced but it won’t last long after stop pedaling.

“Bike for Charge is only a prototype and needs improvement and it costs four million per unit. We hope the next development, we can cut production cost and produce it massively,” he said hoping that it could educate people on energy management.

“People can enjoy the charging station facility for free with their own effort to pedal to produce electricity so it will send the message that it does take an effort to produce electricity even to charge their smartphones,” he said.

Astrid Khairunisa Pramanda of Telkom University said that Bike for Charge can motivate people to visit town parks.

“People usually don’t like to go to parks as there are no charging stations. With this Bike for Charge, it can be an added facility, for hangout, charging and sports,” she said hoping that it could be replicated to other public spaces.

Reports by ANP/G32

Jakarta (Greeners) – Lawmaker on Tuesday (27/09) asked Indonesian government to speed up the ratification process on Paris Agreement to become a law.

Satya Widya Yudha, member of Commission VII which oversees environment, said that the ratification was still in the government’s hand as Ministry of Environment and Forestry still synchronized the bill with Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Afterwards, they will deliver it to the House of Parliament or DPR.

“We have requested the government to finalize the process so that we can ratify the bill. The ball is in the government’s,” said Yudha in Jakarta.

READ ALSO: Indonesia to Bring Three Missions to Climate Negotiation in Marrakesh

On NDC, he said that energy proportion has ranked to number two after land and forest resulted to pushing more on renewable energy in the mix. However, based on 2015-2019 Middle Term National Development Plan, coal use as main energy is still high. Meanwhile, contribution for emission reduction from energy accounts 35 percent.

Furthermore, he said that Indonesia had to convert fossil energy to become renewable energy to reduce carbon emission and achieve Paris agreement on 2025 – 2030. He added that there should be declining portion on dirty energy in Indonesia.

“We have established a roadmap on national energy mix where renewable energy receive sufficient portion in the next 20 years,” he said.

READ ALSO: No More Ego Between Ministries to Set Up NDC Documents

Yudha said that renewable energy was still not competitive if the government did not take action considering the price was above 13 cent/kWh meanwhile coal, gas and oil, were only seven to eight cent/kWh.

“So, the government needs to subsidize five cents if they want to be consistent in pushing renewable energy. That is why Commission VII had asked for 48.84 trillion rupiah for electricity subsidy, including renewable energy subsidy and we have delivered it to PLN to do the selection process and disbursed the subsidy to industry,” he said.

Previously, Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya said that the ministry had met, discussed and lobbied Commission VII and IV to finalize the ratification to gain legal basis.

“We hope that it can be finalized as soon as possible as there’s a plenary meeting every Tuesday. This week, President might be visiting Senayan,” said Minister Siti, in Jakarta, on Friday (16/9).

Reports by Danny Kosasih

Jakarta (Greeners) – Amid increasing development for renewable energy and abandoning fossil fuel in US, India, China, and Germany, instead, Indonesia announced coal as primary energy in the country.

Syahrul Fitra, legal researcher of Auriga Nusantara, said that 35,000 Gigawatt Coal-Fired Power Plant program was the reality that Indonesia rely on its 60 percent of energy mix from coal although its reserve only less than three percent from world’s reserve.

“Furthermore, domestic investment is still focusing in coal though its price has been declining in the international market,” said Syahrul in Jakarta on Monday (25/4).

Agus Saptono, senior official at Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, said that the government has yet to tap into renewable energy.

Saptono cited that the country has the potential of 29 Gigawatt from geothermal but only managed to tap into 1.44 megawatt or five percent.

“In addition, other renewable energy sources of 75 Gigawatt and solar panel of 800 Gigawatts. The potential is tremendous however the management must be developed to fulfill out electricity consumption,” he added.

Director Manager of Oil Change International, Elizabeth Bast, said that developed nations, such as Germany, Scotland, and Denmark have started to develop renewable energy. In addition, China which is world’s largest coal producer has been invested on clean energy in 2015.

Bast said that Indonesia’s problem with capital investment is that the country rely much on mining industry which was in stark contrast with global trend where developed and developing countries have agreed to limit coal use and turn to clean energy.

“Renewable energy needs huge funding only at the beginning but it will become cheaper in the process. It is why investment is crucial in renewable energy development,” she said.

Reports by Danny Kosasih

Jakarta (Greeners) – State Minister of National Development Planning or Bappenas, Sofyan Djalil conducted a series of bilateral meeting on energy renewable, environment and transportation with Vice President of Switzerland, Doris Leuthard.

Sofyan said that Leuthard, who was also Environment, Transportation and Energy Minister, had interests in participating as investor and technology provider in Indonesia.

“They posses technology and the companies are keen on investing, provide technology among others. I told [them] that there are plenty of opportunities to invest in Indonesia and we are hoping that they can participate,” he said to Greeners in Jakarta, on Wednesday (30/3).

However, Sofyan added that he uncertain on the amount of the investment but promised that Indonesia opened its door for investments in urban transportation, clean water access, and other infrastructure issues of which the country has sufficient technologies to tackle them.

Furthermore, Sofyan said there was a bit of glitch concerning regulation for renewable energy development. Though, he added quickly that the obstacle would be handled immediately as the country’s target for 23 percent of renewable energy by 2025 as stipulated by the law.

“We understand that it’s the law. By 2025, renewable energy mix must be 23 percent. There are shortcomings but Pak Sudirman [Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources] is working hard to solve it. Let’s just hope that it will be achieved,” he said adding that Leuthard’s visit was a step forward to discuss European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Indonesia-EFTA negotiation has been stalled for three years and Indonesia has been committed to continue on.

“I think renewable energy is no longer an option. We must focus on transportation in this country. The same with energy sector. Indonesia has potentials waiting to be tapped as replacement for fossil fuels,” said Leuthard.

Indonesia’s energy mix comprise of 37 percent oil, 22 percent gas, 29 percent coal, and 12 percent renewable energy. In addition, Indonesia has been encouraging renewable energy for electricity supply.

Power plants fueled by renewable energy is predicted to increase 33 percent and 38 percent by 2025 and 2050, respectively. It will increase electricity supply from 45 Gigawatt to 169 Gigawatt.

Reports by Danny Kosasih

Jakarta (Greeners) – To support government’s program “Bright Indonesia”, PT Pertamina has committed to develop 1,000 MW solar power plants (SPP) in locations with low electricity ratio.

Director of PT Pertamina Dwi Sucipto said that the company has been associated only with oil and gas which were currently depleting. Meanwhile, the future of energy is renewable energy, he added.

“Pertamina is ready to develop 1,000 MW power plants fuelled by renewable energy for the next five years which is worth a total US$ 2 billion from Government Private Sector Cooperation. PT Pertamina is serious in developing renewable energy,” he said in Jakarta, on Monday (07/03).

Furthermore, PT Pertamina will also sign an agreement with State Electricity Company (PLN) to develop 50 MW SPP at Mandalika Special Economic Area in West Nusa Tenggara. PT Pertamina will invest in the program while PLN will buy the electricity.

In addition, the company will also cooperate with PT Energy Management Indonesia to do energy audit which will serve as the baseline for the company’s energy conservation programs.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Sudirman Said added that PT Pertamina’s commitment will support government’s efforts to encourage renewable energy in the country.

“This is good. If there’s pricing problem, the ministry will interfere to ensure the continuity of the program, especially on remote areas of eastern parts of Indonesia,” said Sudirman.

Reports by Danny Kosasih

Jakarta (Greeners) – The twenty first session of Conference of Parties (COP 21) of UNFCCC has officially closed with countries agreed to adopt Paris Agreement.

International NGO, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), stated that Paris Agreement would be the foundation for long term effort in tackling climate change.

Furthermore, WWF said that the agreement reflected countries’ attitude in setting aside their own personal interests. The strong message of Paris Agreement is the awareness and new act to cooperate in dealing with impacts of climate change, to ac progressively, and to reach the common goal of protecting vulnerable groups around the world.

Nevertheless, WWF said that Paris Agreement still need to be strengthened and supports from each country to reach the target of reducing emissions and keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius or even 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Currently, all INDCs were only covering half of required emission reduction with remaining 12 – 16 Giga tonnes.

Dr. Efransjah, CEO of WWF Indonesia. said that WWF welcomed Paris Agreement for including crucial elements in saving the world from worst impacts of climate change. The agreement also described attentions on proteting vulnerable groups and Indonesia’s interests.

“Paris Agreement has included global goals in climate change adaptation followed by mentioning lost and damages over climate change impacts,” he said in a press release to Greeners, in Jakarta, on Sunday (13/12).

In addition, Paris Agreement also explained that all countries must act to reduce deforestation rate, land degradation, and sustainable land management. The agreement had also included baseline to measure carbon emissions in Indonesia, which was already launched its Indonesia National Carbon Accounting System (INCAS) during COP 21.

Besides reducing deforestation and land degradation, Efransjah said that other effort need to be taken was global transition on clean and renewable energy.

“It is also important that how countries, including Indonesia. to implement commitment in their INDCs systematically and responsibly. The involvement of civil societies in the delegation under Minister of Environment and Forests is step moving forward to achieve better forest management,” he said.

Director of Communication and Advocacy, WWF Indonesia, Nyoman Iswarayoga, added that low carbon development should be implemented through cooperation between non government agencies and business people, city administrations and wider public. The result in Paris is a good example. The process is creating public awareness on the importance of global scale collaboration to deal with climate change issues.

“Paris Agreement target all countries to report their achievements on agreed outcomes of COP21 by 2018 comprise of reducing emissions, adaptation and funding,” said Nyoman.

Reports by Danny Kosasih

Dikira (Greeners) – Pentingnya akses listrik serta air bersih untuk Desa Dikira di Kecamatan Wewewa Timur, Kabupaten Sumba Barat Daya sangat dirasakan oleh salah satu peserta tim Ekspedisi Sumba 2015 asal Jakarta, Indonesia, Novianus Efrat.

Pemuda 27 tahun ini menyatakan, setelah adanya Solar Water Pump (Pompa Air Tenaga Surya) dan teknologi biogas yang dibangun oleh Hivos, organisasi internasional pembangunan nirlaba non-pemerintah internasional yang bekerjasama dengan mitra lokal di sana, sedikit banyak telah membantu kehidupan masyarakat khususnya dalam melakukan aktifitas pertanian dan perkebunan.

Namun, menurutnya, warga setempat masih membutuhkan banyak sekali bantuan khususnya untuk alat, dana dan tenaga ahli untuk lebih mengoptimalkan penggunaan Solar Water Pump dan biogas di Desa Dikira.

“Saya merasakan betul bagaimana susahnya hidup tanpa aliran listrik di sini (Desa Dikira) karena sebelumnya saya juga pernah melakukan perjalanan seperti ini di wilayah timur Indonesia yang masalahnya sama,” cerita pria yang sempat aktif di beberapa organisasi pendidikan alternatif ini, Dikira, Jumat (04/09) lalu.

Pemuda yang akrab disapa Efrat ini menyatakan diterimanya ia dalam tim Ekspedisi Sumba 2015 sejalan dengan ketertarikannya akan energi terbarukan (renewable energi) dan kecintaannya pada anak-anak.

Novianus Efrat, salah satu peserta tim Ekspedisi Sumba 2015 asal Jakarta. Foto: dok. Ekspedisi Sumba 2015

Menurut Efrat, kebutuhan akan irigasi air untuk persawahan dan akses listrik untuk sekolah dan hidup sehari-hari di Desa Dikira masih sangat jauh dari kata cukup. Oleh karena itu, pengalamannya melihat dan mengalami langsung kehidupan warga Desa Dikira, membuat Efrat berencana untuk menyebarluaskan informasi terkait Desa Dikira tersebut sekembali dirinya ke Jakarta.

“Ini harus diinformasikan. Mereka jelas butuh banyak bantuan dari masyarakat yang cukup mampu di kota-kota besar,” tambahnya.

Di luar kondisi tersebut, Efrat mengaku tersentuh oleh keramahtamahan masyarakat Desa Dikira. Hal ini dikarenakan ia telah merasakan tulusnya masyarakat setempat menerima dan menjamu mereka layaknya keluarga.

“Apalagi waktu kami disambut oleh mereka. Kalau mau jujur, itu sebenarnya saya terharu sekali dengan segala keramahan mereka. Lalu ketika meninggalkan desa, saya langsung merasa harus menginformasikan tentang hal ini kepada masyarakat luas,” ujarnya.

Sebagai informasi, Desa Dikira adalah salah satu desa yang menjadi tujuan tim Ekspedisi Sumba 2015. Desa ini berada di Sumba Barat Daya dengan 325 Kepala Keluarga yang mayoritas penduduknya bekerja sebagai petani sayur dan peternak.

Efrat sendiri adalah salah satu peserta asal Kota Jakarta yang tergabung dalam Ekspedisi Sumba 2015. Bersama tujuh orang peserta lainnya, Efrat melakukan perjalanan untuk mempelajari dan merasakan bagaimana suasana dan keadaan hidup masyarakat sumba sembari mengkampanyekan perubahan iklim dan energi terbarukan yang dikembangkan oleh Hivos, organisasi internasional pembangunan nirlaba non-pemerintah internasional.

Tujuh peserta lainnya adalah Dea Sihotang dari Cibubur, Saepul Hamdi dari Sukabumi dan Griksa Gunadarma dari Jakarta. Sedangkan tim dari Belanda yaitu Guido, Franka, Joyce dan Sylvia.

Penulis: Danny Kosasih

Jakarta (Greeners) – Duta Besar Jerman untuk Indonesia Dr. Georg Witschel menyatakan bahwa Jerman telah menyiapkan dana pinjaman untuk proyek pengembangan energi terbarukan atau renewable energy di Indonesia.

Menurut Witschel, Jerman saat ini telah melakukan berbagai pengembangan dalam energi terbarukan. Ia juga menekankan bahwa bahwa Jerman telah belajar dari berbagai kesalahan seiring proses pengembangan tersebut. Oleh karena itu, Jerman, lanjutnya, siap untuk menjadi mitra bagi Indonesia dalam hal energi terbarukan.

“Jerman saat ini telah mengembangkan sekitar 25 persen renewable energy, sementara Indonesia kurang dari 10 persen. Kami dapat menawarkan solusi untuk Indonesia bagaimana mengembangkan renewable energy di Indonesia,” ujar Witschel saat ditemui usai konferensi pers Jerman Fest 2015 di Goethe Institut, Jakarta, Rabu (02/09).

Duta Besar Jerman untuk Indonesia Dr. Georg Witschel. Foto: greeners.co/Renty Hutahaean

Dalam hal pembangunan, lanjut Witschel, ada beberapa hal yang menjadi fokus Jerman, yaitu clean energy (energi bersih), pengurangan dampak emisi gas rumah kaca, dan penyelamatan iklim. Untuk membantu Indonesia mewujudkan pembangunan dalam konsep tersebut, dana sekitar 2 milyar euro siap digelontorkan oleh Pemerintah Jerman.

“Jadi, hampir 2 milyar euro yang disiapkan Bank Pembangunan Jerman, yang mana ini merupakan Bank Pemerintah Jerman, untuk membantu Indonesia,” ujarnya.

Pengembangan energi panas bumi atau geotermal juga menjadi salah satu bidang energi yang menarik minat Pemerintah Jerman untuk berinvestasi di Indonesia. Witschel menyatakan bahwa sebuah proyek pembangkit listrik tenaga panas bumi kerjasama Jerman-Indonesia akan dimulai pada awal tahun 2016 mendatang di Lahendong, Sulawesi Utara.

“Kami (pemerintah Jerman) telah menandatangani kesepakatan pada bulan Mei ini, dalam hitungan kasar, sekitar 3 juta euro untuk dikelola sebagian besar dananya oleh PLN. Dana itu semuanya untuk pengembangan energi terbarukan. Lebih jauh, kami akan memulai sebuah pilot project pada Januari 2016 di Lahendong. Di tempat tersebut akan dikembangkan teknologi yang lebih baik untuk pembangkit listrik tenaga panas bumi,” pungkasnya.

Penulis: Renty Hutahaean