A professor at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Prof. Dr. Mailinda Eka Yuniza, S.H., LL.M., was officially inaugurated as a Full Professor in the field of Law at the UGM Senate Hall on Tuesday (July 8, 2025). In her inaugural address, Prof. Mailinda addressed an important and timely topic: “Energy Transition in the Transformation of the National Electricity System: Legal Strategies and Policies for the Early Retirement of Coal-Fired Power Plants.”
In her presentation, Prof. Mailinda explained that the electricity sector is closely linked to a country’s economic growth and gross domestic product (GDP). In Indonesia, stable economic growth over the past decade—averaging 5.05% per year—has driven a significant increase in electricity demand.
However, a major challenge remains, as 82% of the national electricity supply still relies on fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. “This dependence increases the risk of an energy crisis and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions, which accelerate climate change,” said Prof. Mailinda.
As part of its global commitment to sustainability, Indonesia aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 or sooner. For 2030, the target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been set at 1.80% on its own and 43.20% with international support.
“The transition to new and renewable energy is a necessity, not only to protect the environment, but also to strengthen national energy security and global competitiveness,” he added.
One of the key strategies adopted by the government is the early retirement (ER) policy for coal-fired power plants, which involves shutting down power plants before they reach their technical lifespan. This policy has a legal basis in various national regulations, such as Law No. 59 of 2024 on the 2025–2045 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), Presidential Regulation No. 112 of 2022, as well as several decisions and regulations from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Furthermore, Prof. Mailinda emphasized the importance of benchmarking against countries that have successfully implemented similar policies. Developed countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States are considered to have successfully implemented early retirement of coal-fired power plants thanks to strict regulations, technological support, market incentives, and a long-term commitment to decarbonization.
“European countries are emphasizing bans on the construction of new coal-fired power plants, while Canada and the U.S. lead the way in innovation and incentives. Indonesia has much to learn from these experiences,” he said.
Meanwhile, the experience of developing countries shows that the success of the energy transition depends heavily on international support, coordinated national policies, and an inclusive approach to ensure social justice throughout the transition process.
Prof. Mailinda emphasized that the implementation of early retirement policies for coal-fired power plants in Indonesia must be designed with robust regulations, transparent and accountable governance, and a careful assessment of the economic, social, and environmental impacts.
“Clear regulations, a long-term commitment to decarbonization, and incentive strategies that support a just energy transition must form the cornerstone of government policy,” she concluded.
Prof. Mailinda’s inauguration and the themes addressed in her scientific address directly support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The transition to renewable energy through policies for the early retirement of coal-fired power plants reflects a commitment to providing reliable access to sustainable energy, supporting concrete action against the climate crisis, and promoting environmentally sound governance. Furthermore, an inclusive and social justice-based legal and policy approach in the energy transition process also strengthens SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by emphasizing the importance of a strong, transparent, and accountable legal system in supporting sustainable development.
