Indonesia energy policy

With a government to provide for and its own pecuniary interests, the Malaysian state oil and gas giant is unlikely to change dramatically.

Student groups and labor unions have pledged to step up demonstrations against the government's reduction of a fuel subsidy.

The move will be unpopular, but could well generate considerable economic benefits over the long run.

State subsidies help keep energy affordable for low-income Indonesians. They may also be holding up its green energy transition.

Russia's invasion has exposed the country's vulnerability to shocks in the global energy markets.

The ban, imposed due to critically low stocks at domestic power plants, sent tremors through global coal markets.

The move speaks to the political and economic importance of coal, and the difficulty Indonesia will have in organizing a transition to renewable energy.

The upcoming climate summit offers President Joko Widodo an opportunity to realize his vision of Indonesia as a “bridge builder” and global problem solver.

While obstacles remain, the technology could help transform Indonesia into a regional leader in renewable energy.

Industry is racing to get green, but Indonesia has paved the road with unsupportive regulation.

Any move to jettison coal power will likely face opposition from the country's powerful domestic coal lobby.