Batam advances toward a historic pilot project integrating solar power and fishermen-focused fuel stations.

Batam is on track to become Indonesia’s pioneering hub for renewable energy and coastal empowerment, following a national proposal to establish the country’s first solar power plant and dedicated fuel stations for fishermen.

Batam’s Strategic Leap Into Renewable Energy

Batam has been officially proposed as the pilot location for a 1-megawatt Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya (PLTS) and Indonesia’s first cooperative-run fuel stations (SPBU) for fishermen. The initiative was discussed during a coordination meeting on 15 November 2025 between Batam Mayor Amsakar Achmad and Panel Barus, Deputy for the Koperasi Merah Putih program under the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs.

Panel Barus revealed that seven representatives from Pertamina New Renewable Energy (PNRE) are set to visit Batam to evaluate the project site. If approved, Batam will mark a national milestone in solar power development tailored specifically for coastal communities.

Solar Power to Boost Hinterland Education

Mayor Amsakar highlighted that PLTS will significantly improve quality of life in Batam’s hinterland, where residents—especially schoolchildren—are still highly dependent on irregular electricity and unstable signal infrastructure. By ensuring steady power supply, the solar plant is expected to extend study hours and enhance digital connectivity for rural households.

He emphasized that this project aligns perfectly with President Prabowo Subianto’s empowerment principles: creating what does not yet exist, upgrading what already works, and uplifting marginalized groups.

Fishermen’s Fuel Stations to Strengthen Coastal Livelihoods

Alongside PLTS, the government is pushing for SPBU Nelayan to be operated through local cooperatives. These stations aim to reduce operational burdens on fishermen who currently travel long distances and spend more money on fuel logistics. Amsakar described the SPBU plan as an “economic catalyst” that directly addresses pressing needs in remote coastal zones.

The model has already begun in Lampung Timur, and Batam’s large fishing population positions it as a prime candidate for replication and expansion.

Accelerating Inpres No. 17/2025 Implementation

During the same week, Amsakar joined a separate coordination meeting focused on fast-tracking the implementation of Instruction of the President (Inpres) No. 17/2025 concerning Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP). Batam is the first region in the Riau Islands Province to fully execute the program and the second nationwide after Lingga.

The mayor confirmed he has instructed every subdistrict and village leader to expedite cooperative formation. As of now, Batam has completed 31 of the 64 designated land plots of 1,000 square meters each, despite unique land governance challenges under the Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam).

Expanding Cooperative Infrastructure Across the Islands

Concrete progress includes the inauguration of cooperative outlets in Bulang, Pulau Buluh, and Fanta, alongside comprehensive training for board members and supervisors. Groundbreaking for new cooperative buildings has begun in Seilekop, marking steady advancement toward a city-wide cooperative network supporting local entrepreneurship and community-based economic growth.

Amsakar reaffirmed that the city government will “accelerate all regional authority processes” to support the national cooperative roadmap and renewable energy transformation.

Batam’s dual advancement in renewable energy and cooperative-driven coastal empowerment sets the stage for broader economic and environmental benefits across Indonesia and the SIJORI region. The pilot PLTS and SPBU Nelayan initiatives not only modernize essential infrastructure but also strengthen community resilience, offering long-term advantages for coastal livelihoods and regional sustainability.

Sources: TransKepri.com (2025) , Mata Kepri (2025)

Keywords: PLTS Batam, SPBU Nelayan, Renewable Energy Indonesia, Koperasi Merah Putih, Batam Hinterland Development