National Seminar by the MPR RI at ITB: Encouraging the Acceleration of Energy Transition to Prevent Climate Crisis
By Qonita Aulia Rahmatullah - Mahasiswa Teknik Pangan, 2022
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – In response to the urgency of the climate crisis and national energy security challenges, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and The People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (Bahasa: Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat Republik Indonesia, MPR-RI) held a National Seminar titled "Urgency of Energy Transition to Prevent the Impact of Climate Change," at the Campus Center East Auditorium, ITB Ganesha Campus, on Thursday (April 24, 2025). This event is part of the MPR RI Goes to Campus program and collaborated with ITB's Directorate of Student Affairs, aiming to raise awareness and encourage the active involvement of the academic community in addressing national strategic issues based on research and information analysis.
ITB Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., in his remarks emphasized that students should not only master theories in the classroom, but also need to have a global and social understanding to grasp the context of the knowledge they are learning.
"Climate change is a collective issue. ITB is committed to becoming a fourth-generation university with impact, not only in education and research, but also in integrating the values of sustainability, people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership," he stated.
He stated that ITB strives to be actively involved and is very open to collaboration, especially regarding sustainability in Indonesia. This is reflected in joint projects such as Citarum Harum, energy source installations, integrated waste management, and various other initiatives. "Hopefully, today's national seminar can produce valuable outcomes and serve as a platform for cross-disciplinary interaction, as well as encourage progressive policy recommendations for the benefit of our collective sustainability," he said.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of MPR RI, Dr. Eddy Soeparno, S.H., M.H., who was the speaker at the seminar, stated that currently 61% of Indonesia's energy mix still comes from fossil fuels, while Indonesia's target for renewable energy is 23% by 2025. The country has a vast and potential supply of green energy, such as geothermal, hydro, wind, and tidal energy, which is estimated to reach 3,600 GW.
The challenge is that Indonesia still imports large quantities of fuel and LPG. However, there are several strategic solutions he proposed, including transportation electrification, industrial solar panel utilization, converting cooking appliances from LPG to electricity, early retirement of coal-fired power plants (Bahasa: pembangkit listrik tenaga uap, PLTU), implementing carbon capture, and introducing carbon taxes. These initiatives are grounded in the mandates of The 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, Article 28H, Paragraph 1, and Article 33, Paragraph 4, as constitutional foundation.
This national seminar, in addition to being a platform for discussion, also serves as the initial foundation for the development of progressive policy recommendations for Indonesia's sustainable future. ITB also emphasized its commitment as a front-runner in addressing global challenges through science, technology, and policy based on national values.
Reporter: Qonita Aulia Rahmatullah (Teknik Pangan, 2022)
Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri
