The Indonesian Solar Energy Association (Asosiasi Energi Surya Indonesia or AESI) plans to request an audience with President Joko Widodo in response to PLN’s continued policy of limiting rooftop solar power system (PLTS atap) installations to just 15% of a building’s total connected electricity capacity. This policy has drawn strong criticism from solar industry stakeholders, who argue that it contradicts Article 5 of Ministerial Regulation No. 26/2021 issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, which allows installations up to 100% of a consumer’s connected power. AESI Chairman Fabby Tumiwa announced that a formal letter requesting a meeting will be submitted to the State Secretariat this week.

Several organizations are backing this move, including the Indonesian Solar Module Manufacturers Association (APAMSI), the Rooftop Solar Power Users Association (PPLSA), the National Association of Rooftop Solar Installers (Perplatsi), and the Bali Rooftop Solar Association (APSA). These groups emphasize that PLN’s restriction hampers progress in Indonesia’s renewable energy transition and limits public access to clean energy despite regulatory support for rooftop solar deployment.

“We’re sending the letter this week and now just waiting for the President’s availability. We’ve gathered all necessary evidence of the restrictions,” Fabby said during a press briefing at Des Indes Hotel, Jakarta, on Tuesday, March 21. “We hope the meeting with President Jokowi can happen before the Eid holiday,” he added, stressing the urgency of the matter for industry players and solar energy users alike.