PRESS RELEASE No. 30/RELEASE/PLNIP/MRC/2026
Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day: Panglima Besar Soedirman Hydropower Plant Strengthens National Energy Security with Clean Electricity
BANJARNEGARA, August 5, 2026 – In line with the Government’s Asta Cita program to strengthen energy self-sufficiency through the development of new and renewable energy, and as Indonesia celebrates its 81st Independence Day, PLN Indonesia Power’s Mrica Generation Business Unit (UBP Mrica) continues to strengthen national energy security through the operation of the Panglima Besar Soedirman Hydropower Plant.
With an installed capacity of 180 MW, the power plant uses water from the Mrica Dam to generate clean electricity for the Java–Bali interconnected power system. It also supports Indonesia’s target of achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060.
The Panglima Besar Soedirman Hydropower Plant plays an important role in maintaining the reliability of Indonesia’s electricity system. Electricity generated from water not only meets the needs of communities, but also supports industrial and business activities as well as public services across areas connected to the Java–Bali power system. The use of renewable energy is also a real example of Indonesia’s transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
In addition to producing clean electricity, the Panglima Besar Soedirman Hydropower Plant has black start capability. This means the plant can restart the electricity system independently after a major power failure or blackout.
Because hydropower plants can start operating relatively quickly, the plant can provide the initial power needed to restore the electricity network and gradually restart other power plants. This capability makes the Panglima Besar Soedirman Hydropower Plant a strategic part of Indonesia’s electricity infrastructure and an important asset in maintaining national power system security.
President Director of PLN Indonesia Power, Bernadus Sudarmanta, emphasized that renewable energy-based power plants have an increasingly important role, not only in reducing carbon emissions from the electricity sector but also in maintaining the reliability of the national electricity system.
“PLN Indonesia Power is committed to developing power plants that not only produce clean energy, but also help ensure the reliability of Indonesia’s electricity system. The Panglima Besar Soedirman Hydropower Plant is one of our strategic assets. It shows how renewable energy, technology, and reliable operations can work together to support Indonesia’s energy transition toward Net Zero Emissions by 2060,” said Bernadus Sudarmanta.
Senior Manager of PLN Indonesia Power UBP Mrica, Wasis Jati Waskitho, said that the meaning of independence is not only reflected in physical development, but also in efforts to provide reliable, clean, and sustainable energy for all Indonesians.
“As we celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day, we want to continue making our best contribution by providing reliable electricity from renewable energy. The Panglima Besar Soedirman Hydropower Plant not only produces clean electricity, but also has black start capability, which is very important for restoring the electricity system after a major disruption. Maintaining reliable electricity is part of our responsibility to support Indonesia’s energy security and national development,” said Wasis Jati Waskitho.
The spirit of independence reminds us that a strong and independent nation also needs strong energy security. Through the optimal management of the Mrica Dam and the operation of the Panglima Besar Soedirman Hydropower Plant, PLN Indonesia Power UBP Mrica continues to provide reliable clean electricity, accelerate Indonesia’s energy transition, and support the development of a more advanced, independent, and sustainable Indonesia.
