The Benefits of Clean and Affordable Energy for National and State Life

Abstract

The average electricity consumption per capita in Indonesia in 2023 was 1,285 kWh per year, or approximately 3.53 kWh per day. Meanwhile, the average household consumption of LPG gas for cooking was around 4–5 cylinders of 3 kg per month, equivalent to about 11.4 kg of gas per month for small households. Both energy types generally originate from fossil fuels. With the continuously growing population, energy demand will inevitably increase, leading to potential depletion of natural fuel resources and environmental degradation if reliance on fossil-based energy continues. This study aims to analyze energy transition strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The method employed is a critical literature review, analyzing national energy policies and integrating them with academic findings on sustainability dilemmas. The results show that large-scale implementation of renewable energy (RE), while supporting SDG 7 and SDG 13 (Climate Action), also generates significant trade-off conflicts. These conflicts—centered on the dependency on critical material supply chains and the environmental impacts of renewable infrastructure—potentially undermine SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Therefore, transitional solutions must go beyond decarbonization, emphasizing product life-cycle sustainability, strengthening the circular economy, and promoting public education on alternative energy sources (such as induction stoves and biogas) to ensure a truly just and environmentally friendly energy transition.