Indonesia’s carbon storage hub development is positioning the country as a regional leader in climate mitigation. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) revealed that Indonesia could soon serve as the primary destination for carbon storage in the Asia-Pacific. With vast geological potential and strong government backing, the nation aims to play a central role in global decarbonization efforts.
Regional Potential of the Indonesia Carbon Storage Hub
Indonesia offers one of the largest carbon storage capacities in the region. According to Edi Wibowo, Director of Bioenergy at the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), the country holds storage potential of 572.77 gigatons in saline aquifers and 4.85 gigatons in depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
“In addition, storage capacity in depleted oil and gas reservoirs is around 4.85 gigatons, which has the potential to make Indonesia a regional hub for carbon storage services,” Wibowo stated during the 2025 Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) Convention and Exhibition in Tangerang, as reported by Detik.com.
This substantial geological capacity places Indonesia at the forefront of the Asia-Pacific’s carbon mitigation efforts.
Role of Carbon Storage in Decarbonization Strategy
Carbon storage plays a vital role in reducing emissions across power generation, transportation, and industrial sectors. Dwi, a Ministry official, emphasized the significance of this technology in achieving the nation’s climate goals.
“We are not only targeting measurable emission reductions, but also net zero carbon as outlined in the national emissions roadmap,” he said.
To meet these targets, the government is pursuing a multi-pronged approach. Strategies include maximizing renewable energy, implementing energy efficiency programs, and transitioning to low-carbon fuels such as waste-based bioenergy.
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Government Support and Investment Opportunities
The government has opened broad investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector. Indonesia holds more than 3,680 gigawatts in renewable energy potential, yet only 0.3% has been utilized to date. This gap presents massive room for foreign and domestic investors to contribute.
“This is a major opportunity for investment and development in the renewable energy sector. The government is opening the door for large-scale renewable energy utilization while maintaining economic and sustainability principles,” Dwi added.
This supportive policy framework makes Indonesia an attractive destination for sustainable energy projects.
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Advancing CCS Technology in the Java Sea
Indonesia is also advancing its Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology to strengthen its carbon mitigation strategy. The Indonesia Carbon Capture and Storage Center (ICCSC) estimates an investment potential of USD 38 billion (approximately IDR 640.79 trillion) for CCS development in the Java Sea, with rollout expected to begin in 2030.
Y. Kristianto Widiwardono, Acting Head of the National Standardization Agency (BSN), highlighted the importance of measurement in CCS. “Metrology plays an important role in supporting CCS comprehensively,” he said.
BSN ensures accurate, traceable CO2 measurement at each stage—from capture to storage. These capabilities support carbon incentives, emissions trading, and international reporting.
BSN, through its National Metrology Institute, has internationally recognized tools to measure and calibrate CO2 levels from vehicle and industrial emissions. The agency also provides certified reference materials to guarantee data reliability.
Positioning Indonesia as Asia-Pacific’s Green Leader
The Indonesia carbon storage hub development strengthens the country’s reputation as a climate action leader. With unmatched geological capacity, robust investment potential, and forward-thinking CCS innovation, Indonesia is well-positioned to lead the region in low-carbon solutions.
Stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors are encouraged to explore the opportunities emerging from this transformative transition.
Source: jawapos.com, finance.detik.com
Image: detikcom/Heri Purnomo
