PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) is increasing its efforts to include bioenergy in the country’s energy mix. Hokkop Situngkir, PLN EPI’s Biomass Director, noted that globally, bioenergy adoption is growing fast, especially in Finland, Sweden, and Austria, where it has become a main renewable energy source.
“In Indonesia, bioenergy use is only about 5% of its potential. This is a huge opportunity,” Hokkop said. He emphasized the need to develop an ecosystem for biomass supply chains to support sustainable power generation.
A joint government study found Indonesia has vast biomass potential, mostly in Sumatra. The sources are palm oil waste, forestry residues, and agricultural by-products. Currently, much of this biomass is underused.
Supporting Indonesia’s goal to cut emissions, PLN aims to use 9 million tons of biomass by 2030. This is part of its cofiring program, which partially replaces coal in power plants. By November 2025, cofiring was in 49 coal plants, with biomass procurement reaching 2.2 million tons. CO2 emissions were reduced by 2.53 million tons.
PLN EPI is also working on de-dieselization and producing biogas or Bio-CNG from palm oil mill effluent (POME). These can power gas-fired plants and remote diesel areas, lowering costs and dependence on imported fuels.
Hokkop stressed the importance of building a sustainable biomass supply. This involves working with cooperatives, village-owned enterprises, and private partners. Biomass hubs and sub-hubs will collect raw materials, produce pellets, and ensure quality. This will create jobs and income in local communities.
He highlighted that expanding bioenergy is not just environmental. It’s a strategic move to strengthen Indonesia’s energy resilience, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and grow a green economy using domestic resources.
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