Long-term energy development must optimise the utilisation of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil-based energy sources
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Revision to Law No. 30 of 2007 on energy should prioritize environmental conservation and ensure harmonious inter-regional energy management, an official of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) stated.

"Long-term energy development must optimise the utilisation of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil-based energy sources," DPD RI Committee II Secretariat Head, Mediana Pongsitanan, noted in connection with the upper house's focus group discussion on Tuesday.

Pongsitanan noted that the development of renewable energy sources in Indonesia is still minimum despite the country having vast renewable energy potential.

The secretariat head also highlighted the disparity in energy consumption between Java Island -- which absorbs most of the nation's energy needs despite limited energy sources in the island -- and other islands in Indonesia that have myriad potentials for renewable energy sources despite using less energy than Java Island.

Revisions to the law must then focus on achieving energy harmonisation between regions and sectors, he stressed.


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"The problem is that the current approach of energy management in Indonesia is focusing on the management aspect. Energy management and policy planning must instead focus on equity and continuity," Pongsitanan remarked.

Moreover, the DPD RI official highlighted existing limitations on the infrastructure that was needed to link the energy source location to consumers as a hindrance to the distribution of sufficient and quality energy for residents and industries.

To address the issue, a connectivity network to link the energy source to consumers must be set up on a comprehensive scheme, he added.

"The Energy Law must include normative recognition and energy management as a medium to enhance economic activities and national resilience and achieve energy resilience-based economic growth," Pongsitanan noted.

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The secretariat head then stated that the DPD RI Committee II concurs with commencing the drafting process to revise the Energy Law.

"Committee II of the DPD RI agrees to revise the law and propose the revision be included on the prioritised legislation programme for 2023," he stated.
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Translator: Putu Indah S, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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