The Indonesia Solar Energy Association (AESI) was officially established in Jakarta in 2016, co-founded by Ir. Luluk Sumiarso and several other Indonesian national energy experts. It is one of Indonesia’s national industry organizations with the highest level of involvement in solar energy policymaking. The association is currently chaired by Mada Ayu Habsari, who also serves as a board member of the Global Solar Council and has long been committed to advancing solar policy advocacy and accelerating industry development in Indonesia.

1. Building Momentum Across the Value Chain, Bridging Policy and Industry

The core strength of the Indonesia Solar Energy Association lies in its ability to integrate the entire value chain, connecting policymakers with industry stakeholders. The association brings policymakers, industry practitioners, experts, scholars, and solar energy users together on a single platform. Its membership spans all segments of the solar energy ecosystem, including manufacturing, project development, technology providers, financial institutions, and certification bodies.

As of August 2026, the association’s membership had grown to approximately 164 members, a significant increase from 135 in April 2026, reflecting the accelerating expansion of Indonesia’s solar energy market.**

The Indonesia Solar Energy Association has established four specialized working groups, forming a comprehensive framework covering the entire process from strategic planning to implementation. The 100 GW Working Group is responsible for developing a practical roadmap for the national solar energy program. The Rooftop Solar Working Group promotes the large-scale deployment of distributed solar PV. The Independent Power Producer (IPP) Working Group helps ensure the bankability of project procurement. The Green Workforce Working Group ensures that the industry has an adequate supply of qualified, certified technical professionals. These four working groups operate in coordination, creating a complete framework that links policy design, project financing, and workforce development.

2. Rooted in Communities, Bringing Energy Equity into Reality

In advancing Indonesia’s energy transition, the Indonesia Solar Energy Association has developed a distinctive bottom-up approach.

At the grassroots level, the association is actively developing community-based energy self-sufficiency models. By leveraging the modular nature of solar power systems, these models provide electricity solutions for areas with limited access to the conventional power grid. The association is also exploring opportunities to expand solar energy applications in settings such as community health centers and rural cooperatives. This approach closely integrates energy infrastructure development with community capacity building, creating a sustainable model for grassroots energy governance.

In the distributed solar PV sector, the 1.3 GW rooftop solar project jointly advanced by the Indonesia Solar Energy Association, Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the state-owned electricity utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has made substantial progress.

The 485 MW rooftop solar allocation for 2026 has been fully utilized, with a further 218 MW on the waiting list, demonstrating that market demand has far exceeded expectations.** Mada Ayu Habsari, Chair of the Indonesia Solar Energy Association, commented that solar energy is no longer a matter of “potential,” but rather a “national strategic necessity.”

3. Connecting the Region, Leveraging Indonesia as a Springboard for Asian Cooperation

The Indonesia Solar Energy Association continues to expand its regional cooperation. The association has officially joined the Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA) as a member of APVIA’s Organizing Committee, bringing unique perspectives and practical industry experience from Indonesia and Southeast Asia to the organization.

In terms of cooperation between China and Indonesia, **in July 2026, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, publicly invited Chinese companies to invest in Indonesia’s 100 GW solar power project. Of the first 14 projects, six involve Chinese companies, with Chinese photovoltaic enterprises playing an important role.** As a key industry organization in Indonesia’s solar energy sector, the Indonesia Solar Energy Association plays a critical role in interpreting policies, aligning standards, and connecting partners with local counterparts.

From November 17 to 20, the 9th China International Solar and Energy Storage Industry Conference 2026 will be held in Chengdu, China. The Indonesia Solar Energy Association will leverage this platform to deepen exchanges with Chinese solar and energy storage companies in technology, investment, and market development, opening up new opportunities for cooperation in the new energy sector.