Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is studying the potential for developing solar power plants along the Trans-Java Expressway as part of the government's 100-gigawatt solar power program, an official said.

The assessment will begin this year and estimate the amount of solar power capacity that could be installed along the expressway, Acting Director General of Electricity at the ministry Tri Winarno said.

"We have asked for a study on how much solar capacity could be developed along the Trans-Java Expressway," Tri told reporters at the ministry's office in Jakarta on Thursday.

The proposal follows the installation of solar panels along the Bali Mandara Toll Road, which the ministry is using as a reference for similar projects.

Tri said strong winds along expressways would be one of the key factors examined because they could affect the placement and positioning of solar panels.

Those technical considerations will form part of the study before the government moves ahead with implementation, he said.

The ministry expects to begin implementing the project as early as next year after completing the assessment.

"This year is already August, so implementation will begin next year," Tri said.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said President Prabowo Subianto will inaugurate the first phase of the government's 100-GW solar power program in Bali.

He also confirmed that the 100-GW solar initiative has been incorporated into the revised 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) of state-owned utility PT PLN.

The ministry estimates the program could reduce energy imports through import substitution worth between US$14.4 billion and US$28.9 billion, while contributing up to US$26.6 billion to Indonesia's gross domestic product.

Related news: Bali governor designates five low-emission zones for sustainability

Related news: VP Gibran reviews progress of Palembang toll bridge project







Translator: Putu Indah S, Martha Herlinawati Simanjuntak
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2026