Commitment to Renewable Energy

We need a strong hook to be able to connect awareness into real commitment and action. This also applies to the use of renewable energy.

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

Officers charge electric cars at Pertamina\'s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU), Jalan Fatmawati, Jakarta, December 15, 2020.

If you look at the dirty, stuffy air, cloudy skies, hot air and the increasingly frequent extreme weather, these are some of the signs and symptoms caused by global warming. We are already aware that such a phenomenon occurs due to the prolonged burning of fossil fuels, which has taken place since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century.

On the other hand, we also often read news that arctic icebergs have begun to break up and melt. The sea level has also increased, which has led to predictions that coastal cities, including Jakarta, will be submerged within a decade or two. We are also used to hearing the news, this year is the warmest year in the last century.

Also read: Development Calls for Political Will

We have gained knowledge and understanding that global warming must be stopped. For that, we must reduce – or someday eliminate - the use of fossil fuels, and replace them with renewable energy that is environmentally friendly, such as geothermal, solar energy and wind energy. Although we are aware of this, especially among government and policymakers, the commitment and concrete action to switch to renewable energy is still inconsistent.

We are delighted that the world\'s leading automotive manufacturers will stop producing fossil fuel cars in the next decade. In the context of refreshing our memories and renewing commitments, accompanied by the spirit of “continuing to knock “ (frapper toujours), Kompas is publishing a special report on renewable energy from Monday to Wednesday (15 / 3-17 / 3).

Also read: Renewable Energy Development Faces Obstacles

AFP/RONNY HARTMANN

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 25, 2020 shows an employee of German car maker Volkswagen (VW) mounting the lower body that includes the battery and charging port of the Volkswagen ID.3 electric car at the Volkswagen car factory in Zwickau, eastern Germany. - German automobile giant Volkswagen said on March 16, 2021 it is aiming to sell a million electrified vehicles in 2021 and dominate the market by 2025, as it races to catch up with US pioneer Tesla.

Indonesia needs to act even faster in switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy. If we refer to Government Regulation Number 79 of 2014 concerning National Energy Policy, the the primary energy mix in 2025 should consist of coal (30 percent), renewable energy (23 percent), petroleum (25 percent), and natural gas (22 percent). ).

However, according to the latest data announced by the government, the share of the new and renewable energy in the energy mix at the end of 2020 was only 11.5 percent. It means that fossil energy is still dominant. This can be linked to other facts, for example the high level of hydrometeorological disasters, such as floods and landslides. It could also be the impact of rising temperatures on agriculture and biodiversity.

Also read: Indonesia Needs to Accelerate Energy Transition

Indonesia is deemed necessary to restructure its policies, such as Law No. 30/2007 on energy. Matters related to the energy transition must be regulated more clearly and be binding for all stakeholders. (Kompas, 17/3/2021)

There is still a lot of extra works to do, such as regulating renewable energy prices. However, the focus should remain on efforts to achieve a 23 percent renewable energy target in the energy mix. Do not let technical complications negate the basic commitment to achieving that target.

There is still a lot of extra works to do, such as regulating renewable energy prices.

We emphasize that humans are competing against time in coping with the global warming. Don\'t be late. The world is also waiting for Indonesia\'s contribution.

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.