Hashim: Indonesia will not phase out coal-fired power plants

The President’s Special Envoy for Energy and Climate, Hashim Djojohadikusumo—who is also President Prabowo Subianto’s younger brother—stated that Indonesia will not pursue a phase-out, or gradual shutdown, of coal-fired power plants (PLTU).

Hashim stated that Indonesia’s power system will continue to rely on fossil fuels, particularly coal and natural gas.

He also reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to support initiatives launched several months ago by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, including efforts to restore and protect critically endangered tropical forests through the Tropical Forest Forever Fund (TFFF).

“I conveyed a follow-up message on our government’s commitment to support the Brazilian President’s initiative. I reiterate President Prabowo’s commitment to contribute US$1 billion,” Hashim said at the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in Jakarta on Wednesday (Dec. 3, 2025).

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Despite this commitment, Hashim emphasized that the government will continue utilizing fossil-based energy sources, including for power generation.

“What’s important is the government’s clarity that there will be no phase-out of our fossil fuels. Indonesia’s economy—especially its industrial and power sectors—will continue to use fossil fuels, namely coal and natural gas,” he said.

Hashim added that while Indonesia will not eliminate fossil fuels, it is committed to expanding renewable energy.

“The key point is our government’s commitment that over the next 15 years, 76% of the electricity capacity to be developed in Indonesia will come from new and renewable energy,” he said.

“There will be no phase-out, no elimination. Instead, we will pursue a phase-down. This is very important because our government has been pressured—and I have also been pressured—to commit to phasing out fossil fuels, phasing out coal, oil, and so on. We reject this. We remain committed, but it is called a phase-down,” he explained.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak