Karangasem, May 22, 2025 – The sun hung fiercely overhead as the Jelajah Energi Bali (Bali Energy Exploration) delegations set foot in Kubu District on the fourth day of their journey. Kubu, located in Karangasem Regency at the easternmost tip of Bali, is known for its volcanic terrain and arid coastline. The soil is rigid, the dry climate but therein lies its blessing. Beneath this rugged landscape and low rainfall lies a vast, untapped potential for solar energy. This is a side of Bali rarely spotlighted, yet it holds significant value in achieving the bold vision of Bali Net Zero Emissions (NZE) 2045.
That day’s journey brought the delegation to two key sites. The first stop was a 16 kWp on grid solar power plant operated by the Mero Foundation. Located in an open area bathed in sunlight, the facility stands as a testament to how clean energy can deliver tangible benefits for marine life conservation. The second stop showcased a larger ambition: a 1 MW solar power plant owned by the Karangasem Regency Government. Both sites, situated in Kubu District, reflect two concrete embodiments of Bali’s energy transition spirit.
Solar Energy to Safeguard Marine Life
The group received a warm welcome at the first site from the founder and staff of the Mero Foundation. The Marine Education and Research Organization (MERO Foundation) is a marine research institution dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and preserving marine ecosystems.
Equipped with laboratories, researchers, and marine science specialists, MERO functions as a hub for both education and research. While the building appears modest from the outside, it houses invaluable intellectual assets marine bacterial colonies stored in climate controlled chambers.
Rahmadi Prasetyo, the foundation’s founder, shared how they opted to use an on-grid solar power system back in 2017 to power their temperature sensitive research equipment. The solar plant, consisting of 64 rooftop panels, provides up to 16 kWp of clean energy.
“The electricity here is absolutely critical. If there were to be a blackout for even a week, it would be chaos for our most valuable assets, those are bacteria. The cooling systems must run 24/7 without interruption,” said Rahmadi.
MERO is more than just a research facility, it is a guardian of a small yet vital ecosystem that underpins numerous marine studies across Indonesia. The bacteria being studied here play essential roles in underwater food chains, ecosystem restoration, and bio-based technological innovations. For MERO, electricity is not just a matter of operations, it is a matter of survival.
Rahmadi emphasized that solar energy plays a key role in ensuring the laboratory’s operational stability. Although it only meets 25–30% of their electricity demand, the contribution is nonetheless vital. During the Jelajah Energi Bali visit, participants were given an inside look at the PLTS control area and shown how the generated electricity supports research activities.
A Field of Solar Panels Lighting Up Bali
After exploring MERO’s renewable energy innovation, the group headed to their second destination of the day, the 1 MW solar power plant owned by the Karangasem Regency Government. Located in Kubu District, this facility has symbolized Bali’s optimism for clean energy transition since its inception in 2017.
The Kubu PLTS was one of three renewable energy pilot projects launched during the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Spread over 1.2 hectares and capable of producing 1 MW peak power, the Kubu solar plant was not only the first of its kind to be built but also the largest solar installation in Indonesia at that time.
I Made Hadi Susila, Head of the Economic and Development Division at the Karangasem Regency Secretariat, explained that the PLTS comprises 5,004 solar modules and 50 inverters, all connected to the PLN (state electricity company) distribution network making it a vital asset in improving the reliability of electricity supply in a region once prone to frequent outages.
“The operation of this PLTS not only reduces carbon emissions but also creates local job opportunities in operations and maintenance. Local technicians receive specialized training to manage the solar panels, inverter systems, and monitor system performance via digital dashboards,” he stated.
Unfortunately, during the delegation’s visit, the condition of the Kubu PLTS showed signs of neglect, with overgrown grass surrounding the solar panels.
“This is more or less what we’re seeing right now, further maintenance and inspection are definitely needed. Kubu PLTS was envisioned as a strategic step to bring clean energy closer to the people of East Bali. It proves that the energy transition can be achieved through a planned and inclusive approach,” he concluded.
