West Sumatra Aims to be National Green Energy Investment Model

PADANG — The West Sumatra Regional Chapter of the Indonesian Electrical Power Society (MKI) reaffirms its commitment to making West Sumatra a national pilot province for green energy investment development.

Insanul Kamil, Chairman of MKI West Sumatra, stated that the province holds a renewable energy potential of 52 percent, the highest in Indonesia. This presents a massive opportunity amid the global shift from fossil fuels to clean energy. According to Insanul, the transition to green energy is not just a local issue but a matter of global civilization now under focus by all nations.

"West Sumatra has an extraordinary opportunity. This is the turning point where West Sumatra will become a hub for renewable energy investors. No other province in Indonesia has a new and renewable energy potential exceeding 50 percent," he said during the West Sumatra Electricity Investment Forum at the ZHM Premiere Hotel Padang on Tuesday (14/10/2025).

He emphasized that currently, there is almost no large-scale investment in West Sumatra tapping into this green energy potential, despite the opportunity being worth trillions of rupiah. Therefore, MKI invites all stakeholders—government, business, academics, and the public—to collaborate and oversee the transformation toward a green economy in West Sumatra.

"MKI plays a major role in education and opening communication channels for investment rooted in local culture and wisdom. We want investment in West Sumatra not only to pursue profit but also to align with the social and cultural values of the community," he added.

Insanul Kamil mentioned that MKI is pushing West Sumatra to become a national role model in three aspects of green energy, which he calls the 3T: Tatanan (Structure/Policy), Tuntutan (Demand/Global Obligation), and Tontonan (Spectacle/Example). This means West Sumatra is expected to establish a strong policy framework, meet the global demand for clean energy, and become a tangible example of a successful energy transition.

"When people talk about green energy, they will eventually come to West Sumatra. The model will be here," he asserted.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra Governor H. Mahyeldi Ansharullah praised MKI West Sumatra's consistent efforts to champion the development of New and Renewable Energy (NRE) in the region.

He noted that the investment forum's agenda aligns with the provincial government's vision of establishing West Sumatra as a Green Province, focused on clean and sustainable energy. "Our target is clear: the portion of new and renewable energy in the primary energy mix will reach over 60 percent by 2030. This is in line with the national policy toward net-zero emission by 2060," Mahyeldi stated.

He stressed that the West Sumatra Regional Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJMD) mandates an increase in green investment to sustainably support regional economic growth.

Mahyeldi highlighted that to achieve the economic growth target of 7.3 percent by 2029, as directed by the President of Indonesia, West Sumatra requires a minimum investment of IDR 120 trillion. "The regional government cannot do it alone. Investment in the new and renewable energy sector is a strategic solution," he explained.

He also pointed out that West Sumatra possesses extraordinary natural resources such as geothermal, hydro, solar, and significant marine potential, yet only a small fraction has been utilized. "Our energy reserve is only four percent, still far from the ideal. Therefore, this forum is strategic for bringing investors together and opening mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities," he said.

Mahyeldi added that the regional government is ready to provide streamlined permits and incentives for green energy investors. He expressed hope that districts/cities would follow the proactive steps of the Provincial Government in attracting investment. "We will go the extra mile. If necessary, we will personally escort the investors to ensure the investment proceeds smoothly," he remarked.

The event was also attended by the Chairman of MKI Central Board, Evy Haryadi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung, and Governor H. Mahyeldi Ansharullah, who appeared as keynotespeakers. It also featured a panel discussion with speakers including the CEO of Supreme Energy, Nisriyanto, Director of PT. Waskita Sangir Energi, Boy Iswandi, and University of Andalas/Chairman of MKI, Insannul Kamil.

Through this electricity investment forum, West Sumatra is expected to position itself as the green economic growth center in western Indonesia and serve as an example for other regions in implementing the RUPTL 2025–2034 (National Electricity Supply Business Plan) to achieve Net Zero Emission 2060.