By Gamantyo Hendrantoro, Chair, IEEE Indonesia Section
On 15 May 2023, IEEE R10 Director, Prof. Lance Fung, along with officers from R10 and IEEE Indonesia Section, visited the headquarters of PT PLN, the Indonesian state-owned electricity company, in Jakarta. The IEEE team, consisting of seven members, was warmly received by Mr. Anindita Surya, the PLN Vice President for Energy Transition, accompanied by PLN staff members. The main focus of the meeting was to exchange information and ideas on electric power generation technologies and strategies aimed at reducing the carbon footprint.
During the meeting, Prof. Fung presented IEEE programs on climate change, highlighting the organization’s initiatives in this area. Mr. Hwa Chiang Leo, Director of R10 Singapore Operations, also shared an example of an energy conservation strategy implemented in his office. The IEEE team further expressed their willingness to collaborate with PLN by providing knowledge on renewable energy and energy transition available in various IEEE scientific publications. They also offered support in conducting training programs for PLN staff, which could involve experts from the IEEE Indonesia Section Power and Energy Society (PES) Chapter or other relevant chapters.
In response, Mr. Anindita explained the energy transition strategy adopted by PLN, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. Both parties agreed to explore potential collaborations that would be mutually beneficial in the future.
Later that day, the IEEE team also had a brief meeting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Communications and Informatics in Jakarta with Dr. Denny Setiawan, who represented the Electrical Engineering Board of the Association of Indonesian Engineers (BKE-PII). Dr. Setiawan expressed BKE-PII’s interest in collaborating with the IEEE Indonesia Section, potentially through the IEEE National Society Agreement mechanism. Such collaboration would strengthen the position and professional activities of Indonesian electrical engineers and be advantageous for both parties. Prof. Fung conveyed his appreciation for the Indonesia Section, acknowledging their successful efforts in establishing and maintaining close relationships with both industries and the government.