The landscape of renewable energy in Indonesia is undergoing a fundamental shift as industry leaders move beyond the initial hurdles of construction and installation to focus on the long-term sustainability of power generation assets. In a strategic assessment of the sector’s future, Syam Basrijal, the Chief Executive Officer of PT Gema Aset Solusindo, has highlighted that the efficiency of Solar Power Plant (PLTS) projects can no longer be measured solely through the lens of initial capital expenditure or the immediate electricity tariffs produced. Instead, a more holistic approach involving the integration of energy production and agricultural management—specifically through a method known as solar grazing—is emerging as a critical factor in driving down operational costs and ensuring the long-term resilience of the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Speaking at a specialized industry forum in Jakarta on Monday, April 13, 2026, Syam Basrijal emphasized that the operational phase of a solar project, which typically spans 25 to 30 years, has historically been the most overlooked segment of the asset’s lifecycle. While significant attention is paid to the procurement of high-efficiency photovoltaic panels and the engineering of mounting structures, the day-to-day management of the land beneath these panels often falls into a secondary category of concern. However, in tropical environments such as Indonesia, where high humidity and frequent rainfall lead to aggressive vegetation growth, the failure to manage land effectively can lead to spiraling maintenance costs and reduced energy output.
The Tropical Challenge: Vegetation and Operational Expenditure
In the context of ground-mounted solar arrays, vegetation management is not merely an aesthetic concern but a technical necessity. When grass and weeds are left unchecked, they can grow tall enough to cast shadows on the solar modules. Even partial shading on a single cell can disproportionately reduce the energy output of an entire string of panels, a phenomenon known as the "shading effect." In the fertile soils of the Indonesian archipelago, grass can grow several centimeters in a single week during the rainy season, requiring constant intervention.
Traditionally, solar plant operators have relied on mechanical mowing or chemical herbicides to keep vegetation at bay. Syam Basrijal pointed out that these methods are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Mechanical mowing requires labor-intensive schedules and the use of fossil-fuel-powered equipment, which ironically increases the carbon footprint of a "green" energy project. Furthermore, the use of heavy machinery risks damaging the sensitive mounting structures or the underground cabling that connects the arrays. Chemical solutions, on the other hand, pose significant risks to soil health and local water tables, contradicting the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles that many renewable energy investors now prioritize.
"Solar grazing changes the way we interpret efficiency," Syam remarked during his presentation. "It is not just about how we build the plant, but how we manage the space in a sustainable manner. Land should be viewed as an integral part of a production system that can be continuously optimized, rather than just a passive platform for panels."
The Mechanics of Solar Grazing and Agrivoltaics
Solar grazing is a specialized form of agrivoltaics—the simultaneous use of land for both solar power generation and agriculture. In this model, livestock, most commonly sheep, are introduced to the solar farm site to act as natural lawnmowers. Sheep are particularly well-suited for this role because they are small enough to graze underneath the panels, unlike cattle which are too large and heavy, or goats which have a tendency to climb on equipment and chew through electrical wiring.
The benefits of this integration are multi-fold. For the solar plant operator, the primary advantage is a significant reduction in Operation and Maintenance (O&M) costs. By utilizing sheep, the need for mechanical mowing is virtually eliminated. For the livestock owner or local farming community, the solar farm provides a secure, shaded environment with a consistent supply of forage. The panels provide the animals with protection from the sun and rain, which has been shown to improve animal welfare and growth rates.
Furthermore, the presence of livestock contributes to a circular economy. The manure produced by the grazing animals acts as a natural fertilizer, improving the soil quality over the 30-year lifespan of the project. This prevents the land from becoming fallow or degraded, ensuring that once the solar plant reaches the end of its life, the site remains fertile and ready for other agricultural uses.
Economic Data and Strategic Implications
The economic argument for solar grazing is supported by emerging data from global markets, which PT Gema Aset Solusindo is now looking to apply within the Indonesian context. Industry benchmarks suggest that vegetation management can account for as much as 20% to 30% of the total O&M budget for a ground-mounted solar facility. By transitioning to solar grazing, operators can potentially reduce these specific costs by 50% or more, depending on the scale of the site and local labor rates.
As Indonesia pushes toward its Net Zero Emission (NZE) targets by 2060, or sooner with international support through initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), the scale of solar deployment is expected to accelerate. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has identified solar energy as a backbone of the national energy transition due to its modularity and the abundance of solar irradiance across the country. However, as more "National Strategic Projects" (PSN) involving solar power are launched, the competition for land becomes a sensitive issue.
The "food vs. fuel" debate—or in this case, "food vs. energy"—is a significant hurdle for large-scale solar farms. By adopting solar grazing, developers can mitigate social friction and land-use conflicts. When land remains productive for agriculture while generating electricity, it becomes much easier to secure permits and community buy-in. This dual-use strategy is increasingly seen as a requirement by international lenders and green bond issuers who demand high standards of social responsibility.
Chronology of Solar Development in Indonesia
The evolution of solar energy in Indonesia has moved through several distinct phases. In the early 2010s, the focus was primarily on off-grid, decentralized systems for remote islands. By 2020, the focus shifted toward large-scale utility projects, evidenced by the development of the Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant, which sought to bypass land-use issues by utilizing water surfaces.
However, floating solar has higher capital costs compared to ground-mounted systems. Consequently, for Indonesia to reach its target of 4.68 Gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity by 2030 as outlined in the RUPTL (Electricity Supply Business Plan), ground-mounted systems in regions like East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) remain essential. The year 2024 saw the commencement of several large-scale land-based projects, which has now, by 2026, led to the current industry focus on long-term operational efficiency.
The statements made by Syam Basrijal reflect a maturing industry that is now grappling with the realities of asset management. The shift in focus from "getting the project built" to "keeping the project profitable and sustainable" marks a turning point for Indonesian renewable energy firms.
Stakeholder Reactions and Broader Impact
The push for solar grazing has garnered interest from various sectors. Environmental advocacy groups have cautiously welcomed the move, noting that it reduces the reliance on fossil-fuel-intensive maintenance. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture has expressed interest in how such schemes could support national food security by providing new grazing grounds for the country’s livestock industry, which often struggles with land availability.
Technological providers are also adapting. New solar mounting systems are being designed with slightly higher clearances to facilitate the movement of livestock, and cable protection systems are being reinforced to ensure that the integration of animals does not compromise the electrical integrity of the plant.
From a financial perspective, the integration of solar grazing can improve the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). By lowering the annual O&M expenses, the overall lifetime cost of producing one megawatt-hour of electricity decreases. This makes solar energy more competitive against coal-fired power plants, which still dominate the Indonesian grid but face rising costs due to carbon taxes and fluctuating fuel prices.
Conclusion: A Vision for Energy Resilience
The insights provided by PT Gema Aset Solusindo serve as a blueprint for the next generation of energy projects in Southeast Asia. As Syam Basrijal concluded, the goal is to create a "symbiotic relationship" between the energy sector and the environment. In the pursuit of energy resilience, the most effective solutions are often those that work with nature rather than against it.
By viewing the land as a dynamic asset and the grazing animals as partners in maintenance, Indonesia can optimize its solar infrastructure to be more than just a source of power. It can become a model for sustainable land management that supports local economies, protects the environment, and ensures that the transition to clean energy is both economically viable and socially inclusive. As the country moves closer to its 2030 and 2060 milestones, the adoption of such innovative practices will likely be the deciding factor in the success of its national energy strategy.
