Antara News·Indonesia·Monday, September 14, 2026 at 01:29 PM

Indonesia, New Zealand expand renewable energy program in Maluku

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Ode Dedy Lion, Resinta Sulistiyandari

Ambon, Maluku Province (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is expanding the New Zealand-Maluku Renewable Energy for Sustainable Energy (NZMATES) program to promote renewable energy use and improve electricity access across the Maluku Islands.

The ministry's Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), Prof. Eniya Listiani Dewi, said on Monday that the renewable energy partnership in Maluku had been underway for five years and was now entering its second phase.

"We have established close cooperation with the New Zealand Government. This partnership began five years ago, with a specific focus on the Maluku region," she said.

She said renewable energy development in Maluku was particularly important because of the region's archipelagic geography, which comprises numerous small islands.

According to Dewi, these geographical conditions pose challenges to providing reliable and efficient electricity.

She said the partnership had already brought tangible benefits to Tiga Island, where residents previously relied on diesel generators and had access to electricity for only around six hours a day before the development of a solar power plant (PLTS).

Through collaboration between the Indonesian government, New Zealand and state-owned electricity company PT PLN, the solar power plant was upgraded and its capacity expanded, enabling the island to receive electricity around the clock starting in 2024.

Dewi said improved electricity access was already benefiting local residents, with electricity now being used not only for lighting but also for household needs and economic activities.

She added that using solar power plants on small islands could reduce reliance on fuel oil, potentially lowering electricity generation costs and the government's subsidy burden.

She emphasized that successful renewable energy development in archipelagic regions depends not only on infrastructure construction but also on local communities' involvement in operating and managing the power plants.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's Ambassador to Indonesia, Philip N. Taula, said the two countries had a long history of cooperation in renewable energy development, including geothermal energy.

"The Government of New Zealand and the Government of Indonesia have long had a partnership, particularly in renewable energy, including geothermal and various other renewable energy sources," he said.

He said the second phase of NZMATES would focus on strengthening community involvement, supporting economic development and improving access to renewable energy in Maluku.

Taula also called for close coordination with local governments, particularly on technical assistance, implementation procedures and compliance with local regulations.

As the program is intended to prioritize local communities, the ambassador highlighted the need for their active involvement to deliver better results, strengthen local ownership and encourage greater community participation.

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