Indonesia's Energy Shift: RDMP Balikpapan to Drive Solar Surplus

Enhanced Energy Security Through Refinery Upgrade

The Indonesian government has announced that the country is poised to achieve a solar surplus by 2026 following the operationalization of the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) at the Balikpapan refinery ¹

Key Highlights of the RDMP Project

1. Production Capacity Increase: The RDMP Balikpapan will add over 100,000 barrels per day of solar production capacity ¹
   Source 1

   https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/rdmp-balikpapan-beroperasi-indonesia-diproyeksi-surplus-solar-mulai-2026
   .
2. Energy Self-Sufficiency: With this additional capacity, Indonesia will be able to meet its domestic solar demand without imports, achieving energy self-sufficiency in this critical fuel segment ²
   Source 2

   https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8261158/bahlil-lapor-prabowo-surplus-solar-bakal-dijadikan-avtur-bensin-masih-impor
   .
3. Alternative Uses for Surplus Solar: Minister Bahlil indicated that the surplus solar will be redirected for use as avtur (jet fuel) ²
   Source 2

   https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8261158/bahlil-lapor-prabowo-surplus-solar-bakal-dijadikan-avtur-bensin-masih-impor
   , helping to meet aviation fuel demands.
4. Implementation Timeline: The RDMP is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, with the benefits being realized from 2026 onwards ¹
   Source 1

   https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/rdmp-balikpapan-beroperasi-indonesia-diproyeksi-surplus-solar-mulai-2026
   .

Strategic Implications

The successful implementation of the RDMP Balikpapan represents a significant milestone in Indonesia's energy strategy. By achieving solar self-sufficiency, the country can better manage its foreign exchange reserves and reduce its vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations. Moreover, the redirection of surplus solar to avtur production will help meet the growing demand in the aviation sector, potentially reducing reliance on imported jet fuel.