Ambon, Maluku – September 14, 2026 – Key stakeholders from the Indonesian and New Zealand governments, state energy providers, regional authorities, and academic institutions gathered today at Hotel Santika Ambon for the NZMATES 2.0 Partner Meeting. Following the successful official kick-off of Phase 2 earlier in the day, the meeting focused on aligning priorities, defining concrete ownership, and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration to accelerate Maluku's renewable energy transition over the next six months and beyond.

Transitioning from Planning to Action

The NZMATES (New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support) program—funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and implemented by GHD in partnership with Yayasan Mercy Corps Indonesia (YMCI)—is entering its second phase (2026–2031).

Opening the session, Katherine Halliburton, Development Counsellor at the New Zealand Embassy, emphasized that NZMATES 2.0 marks a shift from strategic planning to concrete implementation.

"NZMATES 2.0 is focused on practical action and collaboration," said Halliburton. "Success over the coming months will depend on strong partnerships, clearly defined responsibilities, and practical coordination to deliver tangible renewable energy outcomes for communities in Maluku."

Strong Governance and Multi-Stakeholder Ownership

Highlighting the governance framework of NZMATES 2.0, Hendro Gunawan, Investment and Cooperation Coordinator at DG EBTKE (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources), outlined the program’s dual-tier coordination structure. The Steering Committee—comprising the NZ Ambassador, Director General of EBTKE, Director of PLN Headquarters, and the Governor of Maluku—will provide strategic oversight, supported by a Technical Committee representing local government agencies, PLN, academia, and program implementers.

Kinanti Subrata from Bappenas reinforced the central government’s commitment to facilitating international bilateral agreements that support sustainable regional development.

Building on Phase 1 Successes

Reflecting on lessons and achievements from Phase 1, Safitri Yanti Baharuddin, NZMATES Senior Programme Manager, highlighted key milestones that laid the foundation for Phase 2:

• Educational Capacity: Establishment of renewable energy learning and training labs at Pattimura University (UNPATTI) and Ambon State Polytechnic (POLNAM).
• Community Impact: The revitalization of the Pulau Tiga Solar Mini-Grid, delivering reliable 24-hour electricity access and achieving a 97.27% Sustainability Index.
• Institutional Strengthening: Enhanced technical capacity and planning tools for PLN MMU, Dinas ESDM Maluku, and Bappeda Maluku.

Grant Deeney, Program Lead for NZMATES 2.0 at GHD, noted that NZMATES will continue to expand its technical assistance, feasibility studies, and networking opportunities to connect local stakeholders in Maluku with broader energy initiatives in Jakarta.

Partner Perspectives and Future Directions

During the interactive discussion, regional partners expressed enthusiasm and shared strategic inputs for Phase 2:

• Bappeda Maluku: Head of Bappeda Anton Lailossa expressed gratitude for NZMATES' impact since 2018 and encouraged exploring broader renewable energy sources, including hydro, biomass, and tidal energy, alongside circular economy initiatives like battery waste management and clean water infrastructure.
• Dinas ESDM Maluku: Energy Division Head Said Latupono highlighted the importance of early PLN involvement in EBTKE-led solar PV developments to ensure long-term operation, maintenance, and community economic impact.
• PLN MMU: Senior Planning Manager Adi Purwono reaffirmed PLN’s commitment to national electrification goals and recommended formal KESDM coordination to streamline Phase 2 operations, envisioning Maluku as a future national Centre of Excellence for renewable energy.
• Academic Partners: Prof. Dr. Dominggus Malle (Vice Rector, UNPATTI) and Lory M. Parera (Acting Director, POLNAM) reaffirmed their readiness to supply a certified, skilled local workforce and explore new degree programs in renewable energy.

Concluding the meeting, EBTKE RE Program Director Tony Susanto reiterated EBTKE's vision for NZMATES Phase 2 to deliver high-impact, sustainable projects with long-term operational performance exceeding a 90% sustainability benchmark.

About NZMATES

NZMATES (New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support) is a flagship bilateral program funded by New Zealand MFAT in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR/EBTKE) of Indonesia, aimed at facilitating the sustainable uptake of affordable renewable electricity across the Maluku region.