Batam, 19 September 2025: ERIA and the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of Indonesia (CMEA) co-hosted the first Forum Group Discussion (FGD) and a site visit for the Optimal Power Generation Mix Study for Batam Island on 18–19 September 2025. Given Batam’s strategic location and its role as a fast-growing industrial and trade hub, a robust and forward-looking energy planning framework is essential. The study’s overarching goal is to identify the most realistic, economically viable, and sustainable power generation mix for the island through 2060. ERIA is conducting the research under the guidance and support of CMEA, leveraging its expertise in energy modelling.

Day 1: First FGD
The first FGD aimed to establish a clear understanding of Batam’s current and projected electricity demand – particularly from industrial consumers – and to collect detailed data on consumption patterns, peak demand, and supply reliability. These inputs will inform the study’s energy modelling and policy recommendations. The FGD brought together 70 participants from government, industry, investment, and technology sectors.

Mr Sunandar, Assistant Deputy for Electricity Development and Geology at CMEA, opened the session by outlining the study’s objectives: to model Batam’s energy mix to 2060 with a focus on competitiveness, energy security, clean energy, and decarbonisation, while inviting stakeholder input for actionable policies. Mr Kentaro Noma, Programme Manager on Energy at ERIA, emphasised the FGD’s role in connecting perspectives on economic development, energy planning, private investment, and technology solutions.

The scene-setting session, chaired by Mr Guntur (Associate Policy Analyst at CMEA), featured presentations from:

1. Dr Alloysius Joko Purwanto (ERIA), who provided an overview of the project;
2. Mr M. Darwin (Energy and Mineral Resources Agency of Riau Islands), who discussed the Regional Electricity Plan (RUED) of Riau Islands; and
3. Mr Kirana (PT PLN Batam), who outlined Batam’s power development plan.

The first thematic session, chaired by Dr Purwanto, examined Batam’s economic development strategy and investment outlook. Speakers included:

1. Mr Irfan Syakir Widyasa (BP Batam) – Economic and energy development;
2. Mr Verbian Hidayat Syam (Regional Development Planning Agency of Batam City) – Development plan and strategy;
3. Mr Indrama YM Purba (Neutra DC Nxera Batam) – Data centre and cloud investment;
4. Mr Benedictus Pudji Hartono (PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur) – Digital industry and clean energy investment opportunities.

The second session, chaired by Mr Guntur, explored opportunities and barriers to clean energy integration in Batam. Speakers covered:

1. Mr Harjono (PT PLN Nusantara Renewables) – Technology solutions;
2. Mr Ferry Triansyah (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources) – Regulatory and interconnection framework;
3. Mr Imron Gazali (PT Medco Power Indonesia) – The role of IPPs.

The third session, led by Dr Purwanto and Mr Guntur, sought to align policy and private sector perspectives through a questionnaire on 3E priorities (economic efficiency, energy security, and the environment), technology options, and barriers. Discussions revealed a shared view that energy security should remain Batam’s top priority. Solar photovoltaics and battery energy storage systems (BESS) were identified as the most promising technologies for the island’s future.

Day 2: Site Visit
On the second day, ERIA and CMEA delegates visited Nongsa Digital Park, home to several operating and planned data centres. The visit highlighted electricity demand growth, infrastructure requirements, and clean energy opportunities to support Batam’s expanding digital economy.