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Jokowi inaugurates new Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant, the largest in Southeast Asia
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n Nov. 9th, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo marked a significant milestone by inaugurating the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS) in Purwakarta, West Java. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a peak capacity of 192 megawatts (MW) and symbolizes Indonesia's unwavering commitment to transitioning toward Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060.
The President proudly declared, "Today is a historic day because our ambitious dream of building a large-scale renewable energy generator has finally come true. Indonesia has successfully built the largest floating solar power plant in Southeast Asia and the third largest in the world."
He also underscored the expanding clean energy landscape in Indonesia. When combined with the existing West Java hydropower plant, which can generate up to 1,000 MW, the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant's 192 MW capacity contributes significantly to the nation's clean energy capacity.
"In the future, at its peak performance, it can add approximately 1,000 Megawatts. I am delighted and proud to see that the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant is completed. This is the result of the collaboration between the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Ministry, state-owned electricity company PLN and a collaboration with Masdar from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)," emphasized the President.
Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, highlighted the inauguration's significance as a concrete outcome of cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE. This operation reaffirms the shared commitment of both countries to the transition to clean energy and holds the potential to further boost green energy development in Indonesia.
"This is also an important vision for the UAE; we are committed to continuing the development of environmentally friendly technology. The Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant is strong evidence of the economic cooperation and bilateral relations between Indonesia and the UAE," emphasized Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
The Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant also represents a successful investment collaboration between the two nations, opening doors for new economic growth in logistics, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and the halal economy sectors.
Darmawan Prasodjo, the CEO of PLN, stressed that the construction of the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant reflected PLN's active support for the government's energy transition.
"This inauguration is proof that the energy transition is not just talk, but it has become a tangible reality. PLN is serious and all out in implementing President Joko Widodo's direction to bring clean energy to Indonesia," said Darmawan.
This national strategic project (PSN) occupies 4 percent of the Cirata Reservoir area, approximately 200 hectares. It features 13 islands equipped with 340,000 solar panels, capable of powering over 50,000 homes. The Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant is projected to produce 245 gigawatt hours (GWh) of clean energy annually and reduce carbon emissions by 214,000 tons per year.
Darmawan explained that the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant showcases Indonesia's global collaboration in the energy transition. PLN Nusantara Power sub-holding worked in partnership with Masdar, a UAE-based EBT developer company, to bring this remarkable project to life. Through this collaboration, approximately 1,400 local workers were employed, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) were empowered.
Considering the vastness of the Cirata Reservoir, Darmawan shared their plans to expand the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant. With an area of 6,200 hectares, this PLTS has the potential to grow to over 1,000 MW.
The inauguration of the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant was attended by key dignitaries, including the SOEs Minister Erick Thohir, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif, Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin and Acting Regent of Purwakarta Benni Irwan.
Photo Caption
Jokowi, along with the Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, SOEs Minister Erick Thohir, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif, Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin, President Director of PLN Darmawan Prasodjo, CEO of Masdar Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi and Acting Regent of Purwakarta Benni Irwan at the inauguration of the new Cirata PLTS in Purwakarta, West Java, on Nov. 9.
