The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) is supporting the "Green Economy Village" program inaugurated by PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) in Bojongkapol Village, Bojonggambir District, Tasikmalaya Regency on September 26, 2024. This integrated agricultural program involves the local community in managing biomass for co-firing at coal power plants (PLTU), enhancing the use of renewable energy, and boosting the local economy. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono, who attended the event, praised PLN EPI's initiative in empowering the community through the development of a biomass ecosystem based on a people-centered economy. He emphasized Kementan's commitment to synergize and ensure the program's success through community guidance and education. "We from the Ministry of Agriculture are ready to synergize and provide full support. This program not only contributes to renewable energy but also directly impacts the community's economy. This is a highly beneficial initiative for the people," stated Sudaryono in a press release on October 12, 2024.
PLN EPI's President Director, Iwan Agung Firstantara, highlighted the significance of the "Green Economy Village" program, noting that biomass is a strategic key in achieving the energy mix target of 23% by 2025 and Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060. He explained that most of the biomass used for co-firing at PLN's coal power plants comes from agricultural and plantation waste. To strengthen the biomass supply, PLN EPI is encouraging the Tasikmalaya community to seize economic opportunities from biomass development, benefiting both farmers and PLN. "We aim to utilize 2.2 million tons of biomass in 2024, increasing to 10 million tons in 2025 to meet the needs of 52 coal power plants," Iwan stated. The "Green Economy Village" program in Tasikmalaya is the third implementation by PLN, following previous ones in Gunungkidul and Cilacap. In Tasikmalaya, the program will expand to 100 hectares by 2025, focusing on developing Indigofera plants, which serve as biomass feedstock and livestock feed.
