Indonesia Advances Sustainable Development Through Critical Minerals and Energy Transition Initiatives

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging critical minerals to support global decarbonization while enhancing national welfare through downstream policies and sustainable investment.
“Through our downstream policies, the Indonesian government is creating valuable coal, building industries, developing skills, and fostering innovation that empower our people and drive regional growth,” Foreign Minister Sugiono stated on Saturday in a video recording of his opening remarks on the second day of the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (IISF) 2025 in Jakarta.
Sugiono emphasized that the growing global demand for minerals presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. He highlighted the importance of managing developing countries’ resources wisely to ensure fair value and promote sustainability that benefits all.
“The question therefore is not whether we act, but how we act, to ensure that our energy transition is just, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.
In line with this vision, Indonesia has launched several strategic initiatives to accelerate the implementation of net-zero emissions, scheduled to begin in 2026. Among these initiatives is the construction of 80,000 solar power plants across villages, which is expected to generate up to 100 gigawatts of sustainable electricity.
Additionally, Sugiono noted that the government is replacing fossil-fueled power plants with natural gas and hydropower, while expanding the use of biofuels and biogas to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
These measures reflect Indonesia’s broader strategy to combine industrial development, energy transition, and sustainable investment, positioning the country as a key contributor to global decarbonization efforts.