Jakarta: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced plans to develop solar power plants with a capacity of 30 gigawatts (GW), aiming to phase out 13 GW of diesel power plants by 2026. This initiative is part of the country's strategy to enhance energy self-reliance.

According to Emirates News Agency, Prabowo discussed the plan during his speech on the 2027 Draft State Budget and Financial Note in Jakarta. The development of solar power is seen as a crucial step towards utilizing Indonesia's year-round sunlight to generate electricity, particularly in remote areas. Prabowo emphasized the inefficiency of relying on diesel fuel shipments for power in isolated regions, highlighting the potential cost savings and energy independence solar power could offer.

The government aims to expand solar power capacity to 100 GW. Insights from the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs suggest this expansion could reduce electricity costs by up to Rp73.9 trillion annually. Furthermore, increased solar energy use is expected to decrease fuel import needs, conserving foreign exchange.

Prabowo also proposed that every village should have a 1-megawatt (MW) solar power plant, suggesting that if villages prepare the necessary land, the government can facilitate the development.