Energy - The importance of being independent

Georgia attacked South Ossetia few weeks ago and because of that, Russia has sent troops and tanks to push the Georgian army back to their barracks. The war ended in about one week but the economic and political effects remain. The economy of Georgia went down to the lowest point. Global economy is already hard, but people in Georgia have it harder.

Why actually Russia attacked Georgia? The official explanation was to protect Russians in South Ossetia, however the truth can be anything. Ex Soviet countries including Georgia are rich of fossil fuel reserves. After the fall of Soviet, the US are leading in the oil industry investment in those countries. The US secures fuel supply by exploiting new wells and also building gas/oil pipeline via friendly countries (that means not Russia, Iran or China). Russia off course does not like this. Russia needs to secure its dominancy in energy supply to Europe. Although Soviet is already fall, but Russia still has its sharp bear claws and the ex-Soviet countries are still respect those claws. Therefore, when Georgia tried to be naughty, Russia came with power.
Europe, knowing that they depend of Russian supply, did not do much after the military action. European governments left Georgian government alone to face the fierce claws of Russia. The US is also being silent and not making strong comments or reactions. Being dependent to foreign energy supply has made European and US leaders to act cowardly and sacrifices millions (circa 4 millions) people of Georgia. Dependency creates coward actions.

It is all about energy source. It is important to be independent from foreign energy sources. It is not right to import energy sources when in house you have many. I am very much hoping that people in the government act wisely and cleverly and think of national importance so that silly mistake (or intended mistake?) of Tangguh Gas Deal would not happen in the future.

Local investment on energy should be increased. I believe many Indonesians are working for foreign oil companies. I believe they can build strong Indonesian oil company (if Pertamina is so sick and cannot be healed). I admire Medco for being Indonesian company and be strong with it. It is now time to be independent, trust your own power and knowledge and be patriotic.

Is it a dream? In every prayer I ask Allah to give chance to this beloved country to be strong. I was born in Indonesia for a reason and so is everybody else. Let’s not be sissy. Let’s be confident. Start from yourselves be being energy efficient.