These issues were discussed at the National Seminar “Renewable Energy Transition: Earth Science and Technological Innovation for Sustainable Development,” held on Friday (25/9/2026) at the SBM ITB Building. The seminar was attended by students from seven universities in Bandung, academics, and government representatives.

Dean of FITB ITB Dr. techn. Dudy Darmawan Wijaya, S.T., M.Sc., emphasized that collaboration among academia, business, and government is essential to advancing the energy transition. FITB ITB has been conducting research in various areas, including ocean current energy, geothermal energy, and solar observation.

Energy Policy and Transition Challenges

^{Tony Susandy, S.T., M.B.A., Director of Renewable Energy at the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, presents Indonesia’s policy direction and strategies for renewable energy development, Friday (25/9/2026). (Photo: Seminar Committee)}

Director of Renewable Energy at the Directorate General of EBTKE, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Tony Susandy, S.T., M.B.A., explained that renewable energy is expected to serve as one of the backbones of Indonesia’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner.

According to him, the impacts of climate change further demonstrate the importance of diversifying energy sources. He cited the decline in hydropower generation in South Sulawesi following El Niño, while wind power generation increased. This situation highlights the need for a more diverse and adaptive energy system.

He added that the energy transition continues to face challenges related to financing, permitting, transmission infrastructure, and public acceptance.

Harnessing Energy from the Ocean

Prof. Dr.Eng. Nining Sari Ningsih, M.S., presented research findings on Indonesia’s ocean current and wave energy potential. Her team has identified several promising locations and developed a wave energy conversion prototype that was tested in Pangandaran and successfully powered an 18-watt lamp.

“Hopefully, this can be used by fishermen,” she said. The technology has the potential to be further developed for small-scale energy needs, including those of fishing communities.

^{Prof. Dr.Eng. Nining Sari Ningsih, M.S., presents research findings on Indonesia’s ocean current energy potential, including the potential of ocean currents in the Lombok Strait, Friday (25/9/2026). (Photo: Seminar Committee)}

Geospatial Technology for Energy Mapping

^{Prof. Ir. Ketut Wikantika, M.Eng., Ph.D., elaborates on the use of geospatial and Earth observation technologies to support the monitoring of various renewable energy sources, Friday (25/9/2026). (Photo: Seminar Committee)}

Prof. Ir. Ketut Wikantika, M.Eng., Ph.D., explained the use of geospatial technology and remote sensing to map renewable energy resources. His team has developed, among other initiatives, a solar energy potential prediction model using Himawari satellite data and a platform for mapping rooftop solar panels.

Similar technologies have also been applied in research on biomass, bamboo, and plastic waste mapping to support energy and environmental management.

Unlocking Geothermal Potential

Dr. Eng. Ir. Suryantini, M.Sc., highlighted opportunities to develop geothermal resources beyond volcanic systems, including those found in sedimentary basins and abandoned oil and gas wells. This approach could open new opportunities to utilize geothermal resources that have yet to be widely explored.

^{Dr. Eng. Ir. Suryantini, M.Sc., presents the potential of non-volcanic geothermal resources and remote island regions as part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s energy resilience, Friday (25/9/2026). (Photo: Seminar Committee)}

She also encouraged the development of small-scale geothermal power generation in remote island regions as an alternative to reduce dependence on diesel fuel.

Collaboration to Accelerate the Energy Transition

The discussion also addressed emissions from renewable energy sources, hybrid energy systems, human resource readiness, and social resistance to energy development projects.

^{The question-and-answer session provides an opportunity for speakers and participants to exchange views and address various issues related to sustainable energy, Friday (25/9/2026). (Photo: Seminar Committee)}

Prof. Nining emphasized that marine energy development requires proven technology in real-world settings to attract investment. Meanwhile, a representative from the West Java Energy and Mineral Resources Agency stated that renewable energy development continues to be promoted through regional energy policies.

Seminar moderator Dr.Eng. Anjar Dimara Sakti expressed hope that the multidisciplinary forum would go beyond the exchange of ideas and lead to concrete collaboration.

“The purpose of this seminar is not about presentation slides or achievements, but about the collaborations that will emerge among all of you,” he said.