15 May 2025

Imagine a country without sufficient energy availability. All activities that require energy—such as factory machinery, vehicles, lighting, electronic devices, and many more—would be hindered. To ensure the operation of these machines and devices, energy supply must be guaranteed.

This was conveyed by Usli Sarsi, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Employers Association of North Sumatra (APINDOSU) in charge of agriculture and plantations, in a recent interview with Analisa.

In the past, the world only recognized petroleum as a source of energy. Unfortunately, not every country possesses petroleum reserves. To meet their energy needs, countries without oil resources had to purchase it from members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It’s no surprise that oil-exporting countries, especially OPEC members, saw petroleum as a major source of national revenue—Indonesia included.

However, over time, global energy usage increased significantly. Unfortunately, the rising energy demand was not matched by adequate petroleum availability. Some OPEC countries stopped exporting oil and even withdrew from the organization. Indonesia also decided to leave OPEC in 2008 after being unable to meet the production quota set by the organization.

Realizing that petroleum could no longer be relied upon as the primary energy source, the world began exploring alternative energy sources such as geothermal, solar, wind, and hydropower to drive turbines and generate energy. Sadly, these alternative sources are still limited and have not yet been able to meet the continuously growing global energy demand.

Economic Strength

A country without its own energy resources cannot become a developed nation. Energy availability is a vital economic strength that enables a country to power its economy.

Realizing the importance of energy resources, President Prabowo Subianto is determined to make Indonesia energy self-sufficient within the next five years. This bold ambition is a strategic move toward making Indonesia a developed country.

The question, according to Usli, is whether Indonesia can truly achieve energy self-sufficiency in five years. Looking at Indonesia’s rich natural resources and the world’s largest oil palm plantation area, it is very possible for the country to not only become energy self-sufficient but also food self-sufficient within that time frame.

Palm oil can be processed into Crude Palm Oil (CPO), which serves as a potential alternative energy source in the form of biodiesel and other renewable energies. In addition, palm oil waste—such as empty fruit bunches, shells, and factory waste (POME)—can also be used to produce renewable energy such as biogas and thermal energy.

Sustainability

As the country with the largest oil palm plantation area and the biggest CPO producer in the world, Indonesia often faces opposition from other nations that disapprove and seek faults in its palm oil production.

Various negative campaigns have been launched against Indonesian CPO. Therefore, attention must be given to ensuring the sustainability of palm oil plantations, or sustainable palm oil, to guarantee continued operations without harming the environment, society, or economy. This includes practices that protect forests, biodiversity, indigenous rights, and ensure the long-term economic viability of the palm oil sector.

To achieve sustainable palm oil cultivation, several things need attention: replacing old palm trees with more productive and disease-resistant ones; improving soil fertility using organic fertilizers such as compost to reduce chemical usage and enhance soil quality.

Efficient and sustainable management of palm oil mill waste (PKS) is also important—for example, by using waste as fuel or fertilizer. Ensuring plantations are not located in forested or peatland areas and protecting surrounding forests is essential.

It’s also crucial to involve indigenous communities and local farmers in plantation management, provide access to resources, and create job opportunities. Using modern agricultural technologies and practices can improve productivity without harming the environment. Finally, implementing certifications such as the Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) or the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) ensures plantations meet sustainability standards.

Source: Analisa Minggu