Jakarta. Calls are mounting for Indonesia's switch to hydroelectricity.

The 2026 Indonesia Hydropower Summit brought together national leaders, regulators, academics, industry players, investors, and energy sector stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in hydropower plant development.

Hosting the event were Indonesian Renewable Energy Society and the Institut Teknologi Bandung's alumni association IA ITB. The event received support from the state-run utility firm PLN and sovereign fund Danantara.

"Amid rising electricity demand and Indonesia's commitment to achieve net zero by 2060, hydropower offers distinct advantages: it is a reliable, clean energy source capable of supporting grid stability and serves as an ideal partner for the development of solar and wind power plants," METI chair Norman Ginting said.

He also called for a multistakeholder collaboration in energy transition. Accelerating hydropower development requires regulatory certainty, enhanced project readiness, financing support, strengthened research and innovation, and the commitment of all stakeholders.

Suroso Isnandar, the director for renewable energy at PLN, said that 76% of the added generation capacity would come from renewables, including nuclear and storage systems, by 2034.

Of the total capacity addition of 69.5 gigawatts, some 11.7 gigawatts will come from hydropower plants. It will also be supported by 4.3 gigawatts of pumped storage and 6 gigawatts of battery energy storage systems.

As of mid-2026, PLN has executed approximately 10.6 gigawattsof hydropower projects, marking about 66% of the target. This includes projects that have reached the construction or commercial operation stages.

PLN has also rolled out the GIGA One Hydro initiative to speed up the development of hydropower projects with a combined capacity of approximately 7 gigawatts across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi.

On infrastructure, Public Works Ministry highlighted the importance of an integrated water management. Dam and reservoir infrastructure serves not only for irrigation, flood control, and raw water supply but also acts as a foundation for developing hydropower plants, pumped-storage facilities, and floating solar power plants.

Higher Education Ministry pointed out the need to nurture a robust national research ecosystem to speed up hydropower development. 

Higher education institutions are expected to serve as innovation hubs for clean energy technology, produce high-quality human resources, accelerate the commercialization of research findings, and strengthen collaboration with industry and the government to support Indonesia's energy security.

The forum is also expected to yield strategic recommendations that foster policies, investments, and innovations for sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive hydropower development.

Add as a preferred source on Google +