Wednesday, 17 September 2025
From Coal to Green Energy: East Kalimantan Plans the Foundation for a Renewable Energy Based Economy
Samarinda, (16/09/2025) - Economic transformation of East Kalimantan is a big agenda that cannot be postponed. Dependence on coal must be balanced with a new, sustainable economy. Since 2024, the Regional Consultation Forum (FKD) has become a joint forum for cross-actors in formulating the direction of East Kalimantan's economic transformation until 2045.
At the 3rd Meeting of Round 1 of the FKD, on Tuesday (16/09). The discussion focuses on the New Renewable Energy (EBT) electricity and gas sectors, namely PLTS, PLTA and Biomethane. This forum began with a presentation from PLN regarding the Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) and the existing electricity conditions in East Kalimantan. Furthermore, the East Kalimantan Province Department of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) presented the potential, challenges and directions for development of the PLTS, PLTA and Biomethane sectors. The discussion then deepened the targets, main actions and supporting actions across actors.
PLTS (Solar Power Plant): Large-scale PLTS development in line with RUPTL, by utilizing post-mining land and opening up opportunities for mining companies to diversify into private electricity providers or Independent Power Producers (IPP).
Hydroelectric Power Generation: Application of the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for social legitimacy, as well as community-based conservation and rehabilitation of watersheds (DAS) so that the sustainability of water supply is guaranteed.
Biomethane: Strengthening supply connectivity from biomethane producing mills with demand for the chemical industry, gas network, electricity, and the HoReCa sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes) as a substitute for LPG. The discussion also highlighted the need for green gas quality standards, strengthening energy distribution, as well as technical regulatory support from the central and regional levels for all biomethane utilization.
From this forum, one thing became clear: the government cannot do it alone. Economic transformation and achieving the NRE mix target of 79% can only be achieved if all parties are involved - government, PLN, mining & palm oil companies, industry, banking, academics, NGOs, and local communities. 187);">Editor: Rahma
