Knowledge Hub

This white paper is a collaboration between IESR, Telkomsel, and Periklindo that explores the evolution and future of the electric vehicle market in Indonesia. It highlights the growing urgency to switch to electric vehicles to achieve cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient mobility. It covers key topics such as the current state of EV adoption in Indonesia, challenges faced by consumers, government policies, and the role of advanced technologies such as IoT and telematics. It also provides insights into global EV trends, charging infrastructure development, and the economic impact of Indonesia as a global EV hub. The report emphasizes the importance of supportive policies, technological advancements, and ecosystem development to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and achieve sustainability goals.

This publication examines the potential for renewable energy in Indonesia, which is at a pivotal point in the global energy transition. It highlights Indonesia’s unique opportunity to harness its abundant solar, wind, and hydro resources to drive economic growth, improve energy security, provide affordable electricity and achieve its climate commitments.

The study presents a comprehensive assessment of the country’s renewable energy potential and its economic viability, showing that at least 333 GW of economically viable renewable energy capacity is achievable. 

Authors: Dwi Cahya Agung, Martha Jesica Solomasi Mendrofa, Pintoko Aji, and Sodi Zakiy Muwafiq

In Indonesia, which still relies heavily on coal as its main source of energy, shifting to renewable energy is not an easy challenge. Achieving this goal requires strong planning, substantial investment, and policies that support communities affected by coal reduction.

The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) conducted a study to understand public views on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and various new energy technologies. 

Among the technologies studied, solar energy emerged as one of the most affordable and promising sources of energy, especially after significant developments. Read the report to find out more.

This report examines business-as-usual and low-carbon scenarios for Denpasar—the capital and most populous city of Bali, Indonesia.

It outlines the technologies, efficiency measures, and the investment costs associated with creating a low-carbon pathway for the city. Based on a scenario-based approach, the report analyzes various barriers and enablers for the application of the technologies as part of a cost-minimization pathway for Denpasar. It also identifies the investment needs for each technology, along with potential modalities for sourcing the necessary financial resources for their deployment in the city.

This research, conducted by E3G in collaboration with IESR, aims to delve into the political economy of electric vehicle (EV) development in Indonesia. By analyzing the underlying political dynamics, the study seeks to identify barriers and opportunities for accelerating the transition to EVs. The research builds upon the understanding that political economy factors, rather than solely technical or economic constraints, often hinder significant policy changes. By examining the complex interplay of interests, power dynamics, and institutional factors, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society to support the effective implementation of EV policies in Indonesia.

Indonesia stands at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey. The IETO 2025 report provides a comprehensive analysis of the country’s progress, challenges, and opportunities in the face of a rapidly changing global energy landscape.

Despite government commitments, Indonesia has made limited progress in renewable energy adoption and decarbonization. The continued reliance on coal hinders the transition to a low-carbon future. However, global trends in renewable energy and declining costs present a window of opportunity for Indonesia to leverage its abundant solar, geothermal, and bioenergy resources.

To accelerate the transition, several key challenges must be addressed. These include strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks, mobilizing financing, fostering innovation and technology transfer, ensuring a just transition, and strengthening international cooperation.

By addressing these challenges and seizing the opportunities, Indonesia can pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. The IETO 2025 report serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, businesses, and civil society to understand the complexities of the energy transition and to make informed decisions.

Authors: Martha Jesica Solomasi Mendrofa, Ilham Rizqian Fahreza Surya, Alvin Putra Sisdwinugraha, Farid Wijaya, Rahmi Puspita Sari, Putra Maswan, Muhammad Dhifan Nabighdazweda, Shahnaz Nur Firdausi, Anindita Hapsari, Pintoko Aji, Raditya Wiranegara, Faris Adnan Padhilah, His Muhammad Bintang, Julius Christian

This report provides a brief overview of ASEAN’s power sector landscape in 2023, tracks energy transition development in the past five years, presents several scenarios on decarbonisation for ASEAN, documents policy changes in the past year and emerging discourses in ASEAN energy transition. This report presents strategies to fine-tuning policies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and start the systemic shift necessary for a clean power sector transition, providing strategic guidance for policymakers, researchers and energy practitioners in the region.

As Indonesia works to realize its 2045 goals under the “Indonesia Emas” vision, the upcoming Indonesia Sustainable Energy Week 2024 (ISEW 2024) aims to bring together various stakeholder groups. The event will provide a platform to explore a wide range of energy transition topics. This year’s theme, “United Towards a Sustainable FutuRE”, aligns with Indonesia’s long-term objectives, aiming to elevate the country to a leading position in sustainable development by 2045.

The Indonesia Emas 2045 vision encompasses comprehensive development goals, including achieving economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability. A clean energy transition is pivotal in this journey, as reliable, low-emission energy systems are essential for sustaining economic growth while improving the quality of life for Indonesia's rapidly expanding middle class.

Organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in collaboration with other German-funded organizations like Clean Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE), ISEW 2024 showcases the robust partnership between Indonesia and Germany. This cooperation, spanning over three decades, has been instrumental in advancing Indonesia’s renewable energy initiatives, from upscaling renewable energy to extending transmission grids and developing green jobs.

Elisabeth Tinschert, Energy Programme Director for GIZ Indonesia/ASEAN, views this event as a testament to the longstanding energy cooperation between the two nations. “For me, the theme stands for the spirit of collaboration, as both countries work hand in hand to support Indonesia’s unique transition towards a sustainable energy system based on renewable energy,” she told SIPET.

The event will bring together government officials, industry leaders, and civil society to explore innovative solutions for Indonesia’s energy future. Tinschert adds, “We want ISEW to be a platform for dialog, to bring new ideas, to bridge perspectives, to dare to ask, to be controversial, but also to come together and find a joint pathway forward.”

An important highlight of this year’s event is the focus on Indonesia’s state-owned power utility, PLN, which, with support from GIZ and KfW, has successfully increased the share of renewable energy in South Sulawesi’s grid to 42%.

ISEW 2024 also introduces new formats, such as the “Sustainable Energy Investment Day,” designed to foster private sector engagement and explore opportunities in low-carbon energy. Tinschert is enthusiastic about this development: “We kick-start our collaboration with private sector champions – to showcase the companies that are ready to move towards low carbon energy across their business.” The event will bring together project developers and financiers, including leading figures like Prof. Dr. Eng. Eniya Listiani Dewi from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM), PLN Rumah PATEN, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (PT SMI), and financial institutions like the World Bank and KfW.

The event’s inclusive approach extends to all energy-relevant ministries and stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive dialog on Indonesia’s energy transition. The discussions on the final day will be dedicated to the Just Energy Transition, exploring how Indonesia can create a fair and equitable path to sustainability – key to achieving the goals of Indonesia Emas 2045. Tinschert is particularly excited about the potential for these sessions to engage diverse voices, including those from youth and community groups. “For me, ISEW creates excitement, for being part of Indonesia’s energy transition journey. As a rapidly expanding economy, with an aspiring middle class, and significant renewable energy potential, Indonesia has all the right ingredients to move to a green economy based on sustainable energy,” she said.

 “I would like ISEW to be a call to everyone to take an active role in shaping the energy system of the future,” she said.

Find more information and register for the event here.