ERIA and Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry Advance Strategic Planning for Batam’s Future Power System

Batam, 7-8 May 2026: ERIA and Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (CMEA) co-hosted the second Focus Group Discussion (FGD) of the Optimal Power Generation Mix Study for Batam Island and a Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) training session on 7-8 May 2026, marking an important step in shaping Batam's long-term electricity and energy transition strategy.

The second FGD focused on reviewing and validating interim energy modelling results while gathering strategic input from stakeholders on Batam's future electricity system. Bringing together around 50 participants from government, industry, and technology sectors, the forum provided a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue and knowledge exchange on electricity planning, energy security, and clean energy development.

Opening the session, Mr Sunandar, Assistant Deputy for Electricity Development and Geology at CMEA, emphasised that the study aims to develop a realistic and implementable pathway for Batam's future energy mix through 2060 by balancing rising electricity demand, energy security, industrial competitiveness, clean energy development, and decarbonisation objectives.

The study evaluates four scenarios - Business-as-Usual (BAU), Frozen, Domestic PV Scale-up, and Strong Interconnection - to assess possible development pathways under different policy and investment conditions. Mr Kentaro Noma, Programme Manager for Energy at ERIA, highlighted the importance of the FGD as a key midpoint in the study process, where interim modelling results are reviewed and validated through stakeholder insights and discussions.

During the technical sessions, the ERIA team presented a comprehensive overview of the study's progress, modelling approach, and interim analysis results. Dr Alloysius Joko Purwanto opened the session with an overview of the project's progress and the objectives of the second FGD. The discussion continued with presentations on the study's modelling framework, data inputs, assumptions, and simulation results for the BAU scenario by Laksmita Dwi Hersaputri, Research Associate, followed by an alternative scenario analysis presented by Cecilya Malik, Energy Expert. The session concluded with a presentation by Muhammad Indra Wahyudin on benchmark analysis and key lessons drawn from international experience.

Discussions throughout the FGD highlighted several critical issues shaping Batam's electricity future. Stakeholders underscored the rapid increase in electricity demand driven by industrial development and data centres, alongside concerns over declining gas supply and the need to diversify future energy sources. Participants also exchanged views on the structure of Batam's electricity market, including the role of PLN Batam within its wilayah usaha, as well as the importance of ensuring a reliable, competitive, and sustainable electricity supply to support long-term economic growth.

The FGD concluded with closing remarks from Mr Sunandar and Mr Kentaro Noma, who highlighted key insights and stakeholder feedback that will be incorporated into the further refinement of the study's interim results.

On the second day, ERIA conducted a LEAP training session for CMEA delegates as part of the project's capacity-building activities. The training introduced participants to the energy modelling framework and provided hands-on guidance on analysing energy supply, demand, and transformation sectors, enabling participants to better understand the modelling process and interpretation of results.

Through the FGD and energy modelling training, ERIA continues to support policymakers and stakeholders in developing a realistic and implementable analytical foundation for Batam's future electricity system planning, while also strengthening the technical and analytical capacity of government institutions.