Energy Is No Longer Just a Commodity
Global geopolitical developments have changed the way countries view energy. Energy is no longer simply a commodity used to support economic activity. It has become a strategic asset that can influence economic competitiveness, social stability, international relations, and national security.
The COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East, fluctuations in international energy prices, and disruptions to global supply chains have demonstrated how energy shocks can spread across economies.
A disruption in oil, gas, or coal supplies can increase production costs, fuel inflation, reduce household purchasing power, and put pressure on government finances. For this reason, the ability to maintain energy supplies that are reliable, affordable, accessible, and sustainable has become an important part of national resilience.
For Indonesia, the challenge is particularly significant because energy demand continues to grow alongside industrial activity, transportation, manufacturing, infrastructure development, and population growth.
The article reports that Indonesia’s 2024 primary energy mix was still dominated by coal at 40.37 percent, oil at 28.82 percent, and natural gas at 16.17 percent. Renewable energy contributed approximately 14.65 percent of the national primary energy mix.
This composition indicates that Indonesia remains substantially dependent on fossil fuels. At the same time, declining domestic oil production and rising consumption have increased the country’s need for imported oil, making the national energy system more sensitive to international prices, exchange-rate movements, and global supply disruptions.
Study Examines 22 Publications and Official Documents
Wahyudi, Priyanto, and Hendra used a qualitative approach through a narrative literature review. They analyzed 22 scientific publications and official reports published between 2020 and 2026.
The sources included academic journal articles, books, and reports from organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the National Energy Council (DEN), Statistics Indonesia (BPS), and the World Energy Council.
The researchers grouped and compared the literature to identify major themes and explain the relationship between energy security and national stability.
The analysis produced three major themes: energy security as a foundation of national stability, Indonesia’s energy security challenges in the global era, and strategies for strengthening energy security.
Three Major Findings
A resilient energy system strengthens national stability
The review shows that energy supports almost every strategic sector, including industry, transportation, public services, defense, and community welfare.
Countries with resilient energy systems are generally better positioned to withstand international price shocks, supply-chain disruptions, and geopolitical pressures. In contrast, heavy dependence on imported energy can increase economic vulnerability when international prices rise or supplies are disrupted.
Indonesia faces several energy security vulnerabilities
The researchers identify several major challenges, including dependence on imported oil, continued dominance of fossil fuels, limited utilization of renewable energy, uneven energy infrastructure, and international geopolitical pressures.
Indonesia has significant renewable energy potential, but its development continues to face barriers involving investment, technology, regulatory certainty, and infrastructure.
Energy diversification is a critical strategy
The study identifies diversification as one of the strategies most consistently recommended across the reviewed literature. Expanding the use of solar, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, and wind energy could reduce dependence on a single energy source while making the national energy system more flexible.
The researchers also highlight energy efficiency, infrastructure development, energy-system digitalization, and stronger governance as important components of a resilient energy strategy.
Energy Transition Could Create Economic Opportunities
The transition toward renewable energy is not only about reducing carbon emissions. According to the study, clean-energy development can also create economic opportunities through new jobs, technological innovation, and the growth of green industries.
However, the success of the transition depends on more than natural-resource availability. Consistent policies, coordination among government institutions, regulatory certainty, long-term investment, and cooperation among government, businesses, universities, and communities are also necessary.
The authors argue that Indonesia should move beyond a narrow focus on security of supply toward a broader concept of energy resilience. This means building an energy system capable of anticipating, adapting to, and recovering from disruptions.
Implications for the Economy and Society
Stronger energy security could affect everyday life across multiple sectors. Reliable energy supplies help sustain industrial production, transportation, public services, and economic activity. At the same time, diversification can reduce exposure to international energy-price volatility.
For businesses, a more resilient energy system can provide greater supply certainty and reduce risks associated with dependence on particular fuels or suppliers. For policymakers, energy security can become an important component of strategies for managing geopolitical risks while supporting low-carbon development.
The study also places energy security within the broader framework of national security. Energy disruptions can affect productivity, inflation, investment, and social conditions, making energy policy an important element of national development and resilience.
Author Profiles
Surya Iman Wahyudi: Corresponding author, Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia. His contribution in this article focuses on energy security, national stability, energy transition, and national resilience.
Priyanto: Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia. He is a co-author of the study examining the relationship between energy security and national stability.
Afrizal Hendra: Universitas Pertahanan Republik Indonesia. He is a co-author contributing to the study of energy security from the perspective of national stability and security.
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