A Closer Look at Indonesia’s Future Energy Barn: Palembang
From April 13th to 16th, 2016, a research study titled "Increasing Energy Security through Institutional Adaptive Capacity: A Case Study of Palembang City" was conducted.
Palembang boasts an abundant supply of energy resources, including petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Notably, the city has a waste-to-energy plant, Sukawinatan, which generates 500kwH of power. While coal remains a prominent energy source, the use of natural gas has been gaining popularity among the local population. In some neighborhoods, residents have already adopted direct gas pipelines from SP2J and PT. PGN.
The research involved interviews with various relevant institutions, including the local government of Palembang, the provincial government of South Sumatera, PT. PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara), and PT. PGN (Perusahaan Gas Negara).
It was observed that energy security, as a standalone issue, had not received significant attention from Palembang's institutions. Instead, these institutions had a stronger focus on concerns related to climate change, greenhouse gas effects, and green transportation. This focus on environmentally sustainable practices is commendable, as it inherently contributes to enhancing energy security.
The rapid development of infrastructure in Palembang was primarily geared towards supporting the ASEAN Games scheduled for 2018. This extensive development reflects the city's dedication to accommodating major sporting events and the associated energy demands.
