In order to support the acceleration of the energy transition towards a net zero emission Indonesia in 2060, the Faculty of Engineering of Diponegoro University (Undip), in collaboration with the Engineering Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) of Gajah Mada University and the Indonesian Electricity Society (MKI) held a National Seminar with the theme “Academic Perspectives towards a Healthy Electricity Industry to Support the Energy Transition” on Thursday (19/10). The event was held in a hybrid manner in the Engineering Hall, Prof. Ir. Eko Budihardjo, M.Sc. Building, Faculty of Engineering, Undip. The event was started with remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Undip, Prof. Ir. M. Agung Wibowo, M.M., M.Sc., Ph.D. Prof. Dr. Ir. Ambariyanto, M.Sc., Undip Vice Rector for Research, Innovation and Cooperation, was present at the event and opened the National Seminar.
Several national figures, including the Director of Project Management and EBT PT PLN, Wiluyo Kusdwiharto, as the main speaker, attended the event. Apart from that, other speakers delivered material on the energy transition, namely Professor at the Gadjah Mada University, Prof. Ir. Tumiran, M.Eng., Ph.D., Professor at the Diponegoro University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Purwanto, DEA., GM PLN UID Central Java & DIY M. Soffin Hadi, and UGM Administrative Law and Energy Law Expert Dr. Mailinda Eka Yuniza, S.H., LLM. This event was also attended by national figures who responded to the discussion material, including the General Chairperson of MEBNI Ir. Arnold Soetrisnanto, Chairman of the MKI Expert Council Bambang Praptono, General Chairman of PJCI Ir. Eddie Widiono S., M.Sc., M.M., and Professor at the University of Indonesia Prof. Dr. Ir. Iwa Garniwa, M.K., M.T. The moderator is the Deputy Dean of Resources, Dr. Ir. Abdul Syakur, S.T., M.T., IPU.
In his speech, Ir. Soewondo Koesoemo, as Chair of the MKI for Central Java & DIY Region, said that the energy transition needs to be realized immediately, so this seminar is essential. “The government has a target program for NZE in 2060. One of its efforts is to encourage the use of renewable energy by power plants. “Hopefully (from this seminar), we can produce input that prioritizes the needs of the nation,” he said.
The electricity industry is the primary sector in the energy transition process. Therefore, this industry needs attention so that it can grow more quickly and healthily. Academics and practitioners in the electricity sector were present to discuss with each other and provide their views regarding how to encourage a healthy and sustainable electricity industry in Indonesia, he added.
According to the Chair of ERIC UGM, Prof. Ir. Tumiran, M.Eng., Ph.D., efforts to invite students and academics to participate in discussions at this seminar are important in supporting the energy transition process. For him, the energy transition should be carried out by youth as the nation’s successors. Knowledge transfer related to this energy transition must be carried out frequently. “The energy transition must belong to Indonesia’s young generation. “The older generation is now making decisions and leading (to the energy transition), not making decisions to leave the burden (to the younger generation),” said Prof. Tumiran.
Holding this national seminar will create strategic thinking that will help policymakers build a healthy and sustainable electricity industry. Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Prof. Ir. M. Agung Wibowo, M.M., M.Sc., Ph.D hopes that this seminar can continue into other collaborations between academia and industry to support the acceleration of the energy transition in the future. “Hopefully, this national seminar can be followed up with MBKM collaboration between academics and industry,” concluded Prof. Agung. (Diah/Sudanta – Public Relations)