Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conversion Task Force (Satgas EBTKE) to accelerate Indonesia's transition from fossil fuels to renewables, specifically solar power, to mitigate the impact of the ongoing Middle East oil crisis.

“We must establish alternative energy sources to safeguard our national interests while the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, optimizing domestic potential to convert from fossil fuels to sustainable systems,” said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources  Bahlil Lahadalia following a high-level meeting at the State Palace on Thursday (12/3/2026), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The Task Force, which includes eight ministers and top executives from state utility PT PLN, plans to commence the decommissioning of diesel and oil-fired steam power plants as early as next week. 

Minister Bahlil said that these shutdowns will occur in parallel with the completion of new renewable infrastructure to ensure there is no disruption to the national power grid. This shift aims to secure long-term energy sovereignty amidst regional geopolitical conflicts that threaten international fuel supplies. 

The government expects several renewable projects to reach Commercial Operation Date (COD) soon, allowing for a transition that reduces Indonesia's reliance on expensive imported petroleum.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)