From 6 to 14 June 2026, Clean, Affordable, and Secure Energy (CASE) Indonesia Project, implemented by GIZ Indonesia and Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), in collaboration with OECD through its Clean Energy Finance and Investment Mobilisation (CEFIM) Programme organized a “Strategic Dialogue on Grid Development and Financing for the Energy Transition” across France, Belgium and Germany. The programme brought together Indonesian stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen international cooperation, and explore approaches to accelerating the clean energy transition, with a particular focus on transmission grid development and clean energy financing.
The study trip is expected to contribute to Indonesia’s transmission planning, regulations, and financing frameworks for the national Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) 2025-2034 by applying the knowledge and partnerships established throughout the visit. The RUPTL, which is a 10-year guideline for the national electricity development efforts, is a pivotal blueprint for the energy sector in Indonesia. It serves as a signal of opportunities for private sectors, investors, and other relevant stakeholders to contribute to the industry.
The Indonesian delegation comprised representatives from Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry (BKPM), Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and Indonesian Electricity Society (MKI), who participated in a series of policy dialogues, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical site visits throughout the programme.
During the visit, the delegation met with leading international organisations, policymakers, and research institutions, including Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), International Energy Agency (IEA), European Commission (DG ENER, DG INTPA & European Investment Bank (EIB), and DG CLIMA), NewClimate Institute (NCI), Agora Energiewende, Institute of Energy Economics (EWI), and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The study trip also included a site visit to Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE), France’s transmission system operator, where participants experienced first-hand perspectives on the electricity grid transmission system planning and implementation, while also exploring the revenue model used to ensure its bankability. Furthermore, participants took part in a field observation to KVB, Cologne’s public transport operator which strengthened participants’ practical insights on infrastructure planning, operation, and financing of transport lines at city scale.
Discussions explored key topics related to advancing the clean energy transition, including transmission grid development and expansion, clean energy financing and investment mechanisms, policy and regulatory frameworks, international experiences and best practices in grid planning and implementation, and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. These exchanges provided delegates with valuable insights into policy approaches, financing models, and institutional arrangements that could support Indonesia’s energy transition and grid development ambitions. Several key insights taken from the visits and discussions:
- The gap in transmission grid development in Indonesia is structural, not a shortage of money;
- Every type of capital needs the same three things: a visible cash flow, a bankable, credit-rated counterparty with transparent governance, and a financing whose tenor matches the lifetime of the project;
- Private money supplements public investment rather than replacing it in transmission grid development;
- Regulated, predictable revenue can bring in private capital at low cost
These insights inform a synthesized challenge: in the absence of fundamental reform in the institutional and regulatory environment, the involvement of private and public capital to fund the transmission sector will remain limited.
“The discussions throughout this delegation trip provided practical references for strengthening Indonesia’s approach to grid development and financing. Our focus now is to work together across institutions to translate these lessons into implementable actions that accelerate Indonesia’s energy transition.”, said Yusuf Suryanto, Director of Transmission, Electricity, and Aerospace, Bappenas, as the head of delegation.
Speaking during the study trip, Elisabeth Tinschert, Director of GIZ Energy Programme, highlighted the value of the visit in strengthening policy coordination through knowledge exchange and targeted engagement. They noted that the experience provided practical insights into transmission as well as grid development efforts, and reinforced the importance of collaboration among the government, industry, and private sector stakeholders.
“This delegation trip demonstrated the value of bringing together government, private sector, and development partners to exchange experiences and build mutual understanding with German and European counterparts. GIZ Energy Programme is proud to support this collaboration and looks forward to continuing our partnership with Indonesia to advance the energy transition,” emphasized Lisa.
