Exclusive, In Line With President Jokowi's Vision, Khaerony Affirms Kayan Hydropower Development Is On Target

More than a decade of planning for the construction of a Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) in the Kayan River has been launched. According to Khaerony, Director of Operations at PT Kayan Hydro Energy (KHE), they have done many things to prepare for the construction of five hydropower plants along the Kayan river. Each planning stage is carried out in accordance with the rules set by the government. And all of that is in line with President Jokowi's vision of realizing green energy that will support a green economy. When the five hydropower permits are issued, KHE will carry out this development according to the target.

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Like a journey, what KHE is doing is just one step away from starting this mega project. Namely licensing, something that is very crucial in every job. Although various equipments have been prepared and fulfilled, the permit is still constrained. Of the five hydropower plants, according to Khaerony, only PLTA One has issued a permit. "The other four are still being held at the Ministry of BKPM (Investment Coordination Agency)," said Rony as he is usually called.

When questioned about why the Kayan 2, 3, 4, and 5 hydropower (PLTA) permits were not issued, he also did not know exactly what the reason was. The problem is that when asked about this to the BKPM, no satisfactory answer was obtained. Therefore, the KHE, represented by Andrew Suryali as the President Director and Khaerony openly at a press conference which took place on Wednesday, December 22 at the JW Marriott Hotel, Jakarta, again questioned the issue of this permit. What is the reason that this permit does not come out even though all the requirements have been completed.

This contradicts President Jokowi's statement some time ago about facilitating investment and licensing. On various occasions, Jokowi has always emphasized the issue of cutting complicated permits. "Business actors need services that are easy, fast and uncomplicated, if this is realized it will have a significant impact on economic movements at the national and regional levels," Jokowi said in his remarks at the inauguration of the online integrated licensing system or Risk-Based Online Single Submission (OSS), last August as reported by Kompas.com.

Jokowi repeated the same thing in Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan. "Regarding permits, don't wait to use days, use weeks, no need. (In a matter of) hours, they are issued to show that we are serious about the development of this area," President Jokowi said, as reported by Antara, Tuesday, December 21.

In fact, what has been emphasized by the President no longer needs interpretation. Everything is clear and unequivocal. Just waiting for the realization of the relevant parties and authorized to issue permits. "We are waiting, hopefully, the Kayan 2 to 5 hydropower permits will be issued soon. The problem is that we cannot start work if the permit has not been issued," said Rony.

Rony is not kidding, because the investments to be made in the Kayan 1 to 5 hydropower (PLTA) projects are not small. “The total investment that we have prepared to build these five hydropower plants has reached US$ 17.6 billion. If all the permits are in order, we are optimistic that it will be completed according to the planned target,” said Khaerony to Edy Suherli, Savic Rabos, and Rifai from VOI who met him at the PT. Kayan Hydro Energy at The East Building, Mega Kuningan, Central Jakarta recently. Here is the full interview excerpt.

How did KHE initially become interested in building a hydropower plant on the Kayan River, when did you start planning, feasibility studies, administering Amdal (environmental impact analysis), and other licensing arrangements?

Why are we interested in building a hydropower plant (PLTA) in Kayan River, Peso District, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan Province, because we have conducted technical, social, and economic studies since 2010. We have conducted a detailed study of the potential and resources and social resources of communities in the Kayan River area. The Kayan River is a very good river for damming so that it becomes a water resource that can be used by the public.

The characteristics of the Kayan River are very good, the river is swift and the potential for cascades is a lot. Right and left of the river there are hills. So it is quite good if a dam is made for hydropower. We have obtained the permits. We take care of it starting from the location to the construction permit issued by the Ministry of PUPR (Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing). The licensing process is quite long and tiring to take care of the permit. In the permit process, there are about 24 permits that must be done and must be obtained and they cannot be done at the same time. But you have to finish one to go to the next level and to the next level until it's finished.

What about the Amdal for the Kayan hydropower project?

For the EIA, we have carried out environmental studies (environmental technical), as well as socio-economic studies, we have also carried out and have finished. And we have obtained environmental permits from the Regent of Bulungan Regency, as well as from the Governor of North Kalimantan Province, we have also obtained that for quite a long time.

If so, what other licenses haven't been completed yet?

Actually, this has been completed because there are 5 dams in the Kayan hydropower plant (PLTA), the permit for this Kayan hydropower plant, the IPPKH (Loan and Use Forest Area Permit) has been completed, has already been issued. Permits for Kayan 2, 3, 4, and 5 are still being held at the Ministry of BKPM (Investment Coordinating Board). More or less so. But in terms of requirements and obligations, we have done and have completed it. All have been fulfilled and even audited by the Ministry of Forestry.

What made the Kayan 2, 3, 4, and 5 hydropower permits not issued by the BKPM Ministry, did they tell you what was lacking?

We have written and communicated with the Ministry of Forestry, in principle (the requirements) have been met, there is no word for refusing or not issuing permits. Because the process has fulfilled the requirements and obligations. Just waiting for the actual time.

And managing permits in this country is indeed full of challenges because the licensing process for these permits is still quite a lot. Actually, with the Omnibus Law on Job Creation, we are very optimistic about the acceleration of licensing. But we still have to wait, until now we haven't been able to publish the Kayan 2 to 5 hydropower plants.

Has KHE been able to carry out the construction with the issuance of a permit for the Kayan 1 hydropower plant?

We have been doing pre-construction activities for a long time. Indeed, yesterday was affected by the pandemic. Our experts cannot come to Indonesia. PT Kayan Hydro Energy has carried out pre-construction activities independently, such as the preparation of road construction, we have started working. We have also worked on the construction of the explosives warehouse. We hope that in the next 12 months a permit will be issued for the purchase of explosives and the use of explosives. So in February, we were able to carry out rock blasting to the point of the dam. So many things have been done by KHE over the past ten years. We did not stand still, while waiting for all permits to come out.

If all permits for Kayan 1 to 5 hydropower plants are issued, how long do you estimate for the construction of this project?

One dam was built for approximately 4 to 5 years, the 5th year it was COD (commercial operation date). So if we start the construction of the Kayan one hydropower plant in 2022, the COD is likely to be 2025. Likewise, for Kayan 2, it will be carried out almost simultaneously with Kayan one (continuously). So after "Kayan one" construction began in the second year, Kayan two has started construction. Kayan 3 is also following. Kayan 3 and 4 are simultaneous. So for Kayan 1 to 5, it is estimated that it will be completed in 2034 – 2035.

How much investment is prepared by KHE for the construction of these 5 hydropower plants on the Kayan River?

The total investment that we have prepared to build the five hydropower plants on the Kayan River has reached US$ 17.6 billion. If all permits are in order, we are optimistic that it will be completed according to the planned target. Now we are just waiting for the PLTA 2 to 5 permits to come out from the BKPM Ministry.

President Jokowi emphasized that in the future it must be oriented towards green economy and green energy. What is the importance of KHE with a hydropower plant consisting of five Cascades on the Kayan River for the realization of the President's vision?

Actually, we have been thinking about the concept of green energy and green industry for a long time. To build a concept that is integrated with green industry and green economy and we have prepared a location in the Tanah Kuning Industrial Estate which will absorb energy; green energy from the Kayan River hydropower plant (PLTA). For the Tanah Kuning industrial area, there is a group from us, PT ISI (Indonesia Strategic Industries) which has also received permission to become the manager of the industrial area in Tanah Kuning. And PT PII (Indonesian International Port), which manages the port which is not far from the Tanah Kuning industrial area has also received a permit.

How far is the Kayan hydropower plant to the Tanah Kuning industrial area?

The distance is approximately 120 km, we have also prepared that, we are ready for the transmission network from the generator to the distribution of the Tanah Kuning Industrial area.

If the electricity produced is not absorbed by the Industrial Estate, where is the electricity produced by the Kayan Hydroelectric Power Plant distributed?

This industrial area is quite large, there are already several tenants who will cooperate. PT ISI has entered into MoUs with various tenants who will enter the green industrial area of PT ISI; including PT Nickel Industri Indonesia, PT Prime Steel Indonesia, PT General Battery Indonesia, PT First Hydrogenics Indonesia, PT Green Ammonia Indonesia, PT Indonesia Emobil Industri and Joint Venture Co. (which was invested by Shandong Xinhai Technology Co. ltd). The tenants have also received industrial business permits from the Ministry of Industry. In addition, there are several other tenants who will join the industrial area managed by PT ISI. The electricity required is quite large, and the electricity generated by the Kayan 1-5 hydropower plant can be absorbed here.

In addition to hydropower, reportedly there will also be a floating solar power plant (PLTS) in the Kayan River dam pool?

We will build a floating PLTS in the inundation area of the Kayan PLTA. It is a combination of solar power with water.

Besides PLTA and PLTS, what else is combined?

We have prepared fish farming, it has a social concept. Indeed, we have also planned for the inundation area, maybe later we will provide training to farmer groups in inundated areas and around the hydropower plant for fish cultivation in cages. In addition, eco-tourism will also be developed in the Kayan hydropower area.

Do the people around the Kayan hydropower plant already know about these various benefits?

I have directly disseminated this to the village community and sub-districts at the hydropower plant location. Their response is very positive with the development of hydropower and the various benefits that arise.

Has everything been completed for land acquisition in the Tanah Kuning Industrial Estate?

We have acquired more than 2500 hectares of land. The land acquisition process will continue to be used by PT ISI. We hope that every month there will be more additions. This industrial area is also connected to the port managed by PT PII (Indonesian International Port). PT PII has now made a visibility study and has even obtained permission from the Ministry of Transportation and Maritime Affairs. This port will later be exported from production in the Tanah Kuning Industrial Area. We plan to go to a depth of 24 DWT, so large ships from China and other countries can enter.

What are your hopes for the government for the completion of permits and other things needed for the hydropower plant and the Tanah Kuning Industrial Estate?

What we are waiting for is the Kayan 2-5 hydropower permit, hopefully, it will be issued soon. Because all the requirements have been met. If there is still something that cannot be informed to us so that it can be fulfilled. And we have listened to President Jokowi's statement some time ago that this licensing issue must be resolved quickly. If this is the case, it means that the apparatus under the president is at odds with the policy on licensing which is easy and fast.

Khaerony, Mix Recreation and Work

If you can combine one activity with another, why not? That's what Khaerony, Director of Operations of PT. Kayan Hydro Energy. In the midst of his busy schedule at the office, it is difficult for him to find time to simply refresh by traveling with his family. "Because my hobby is work, my traveling activities are for company projects," he said. How come?

The distance between Khaerony and his family – he is in Jakarta and his wife and children are in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan – does have its pluses and minuses. The plus one, he was really focused on work while in the capital. But the minus is that he has to be strong enough to hold back his longing to see his family. But it's not an obstacle for him, because there is a solution for it.

Once every two weeks or if he is busy, a maximum of one month he goes to Banjarmasin. “It so happened that my family lived in Kalimantan, so I in Jakarta had to give in. Every two weeks I go home, sometimes a month when I'm really busy with office matters. I will take time to go home and be with my family,” he said.

For Rony - as he is usually called - optimizing time with family is very important. The problem is that he is not like someone who lives near his workplace in the same city. “I optimize the quality time for my family on weekends and when I meet the family. Because we haven't seen each other for a long time and hold back longing, when we meet it feels very happy," said the man who was born in Demak, April 2, 1981.

It turned out that he wasn't the only one in this situation. The children and wife also experienced the same thing. “My children and wife are also very happy when I come home. So, because we rarely see each other, once we meet, we feel so happy," continued Rony.

Rony will optimize the time to meet after meeting family by doing various activities both at home and outside. "Because we haven't seen each other for a long time, we can do quality time at home by hanging out together because we are still in a pandemic situation. After the situation is getting more sloping we can already walk to the shopping center, watch a movie and eat at a restaurant. So just like what I do with my wife and children,” added this father of four children from a wife.

When asked where he traveled with his family. It turned out that the answer was to the Kayan Hydro Energy project site in the Kayan River area, Peso District, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. “Because I like work, traveling is done at the same time as reviewing project locations. So you don't need to look for travel locations, just go to projects under the auspices of KHE. You can go to projects as well as take a walk, see nature, and culinary as well, that's all. So you can get everything in one go,” he said with a laugh.

Maintain Immunity

Maintaining immunity, especially during a pandemic, is an important job that everyone must do. Khaerony is well aware that his excellent health and maintained immunity will help him perform various tasks in the office well. For him to maintain a balance between work, rest, eat enough and exercise must be done.

“It must be strictly maintained between activities at the office, adequate rest, and intake of foods that contain substances that the body needs. And one more exercise is important to be healthy and increase immunity. If you eat, sleep, work, it's not complete. Exercise has to be done to top it all off. So that the body is really healthy and the immune system increases," he explained.

For sports, Rony chose what was easy for him, which he usually did jogging, cycling, and golfing. "I'm not really picky about sports. In the morning I usually like jogging. Besides that, I also like cycling. If I have more time, I also like to play golf. Usually on the weekends," he said.

In exercising, because he is not too maniac, he does not have a specific target to achieve. “For me, the most important thing is a healthy and fit body, elastic muscles, and one more thing you have to sweat. So there is no target to achieve this or that while exercising," he continued.

In terms of food, Rony enjoys local cuisine more than Western cuisine. “I like regional cuisine, such as Soto Kudus, and various Soto from various other regions. The problem is that each region has its own Soto, which has its own characteristics, both in terms of topping and sauce. There are those with clear soups, such as Soto Kudus, there are those with coconut milk, such as Soto Betawi, and so on. I like all the soups," he said.

He also likes local dishes such as Gandul rice and Gudeg rice. “Gandul rice with various side dishes, as well as Gudeg rice makes you miss and want again and again. Also with Garang Asem, which is a typical dish of the northern coast of Java. When I go back to Semarang, I will not miss the catfish head dish which is processed by smoking before being fried. Wow, that's delicious. While in Jakarta, I also visited a typical Semarang restaurant in the Kelapa Gading area, North Jakarta, which served the catfish head curry menu," he continued.

Rony's appetite is not far from the Nusantara's full of flavors. How about Western dishes? "Yes, if you have to and there is no other food, what can you do. But if there is still Indonesian cuisine even though in foreign countries, I will choose Indonesian dishes first. When it comes to my appetite, I'm very local," he said.

Sobat Ambyar

In terms of art, Rony honestly admits that he is not an actor, but rather a connoisseur of art. "In my art, I like to enjoy music, but if I am asked to play music or sing, I can't really do that," he admits.

Usually, he listens to music to accompany the trip or in his spare time. He will fill his travel activities and spare time by enjoying his favorite music. What is it? “I love old music, which is now being re-arranged to get closer to the current generation. I also like the campursari music popularized by the late Didi Kempot and his friends. So I'm also Sobat Ambyar, hehehe," he said. The songs from Stasiun Balapan Station, Pamer Bojo, Sewu Kuto, Banyu Langit, Lanyang Kangen, Cidro, and a series of other songs have become song-lists when Rony listens to Didi Kempot's works.

Rony is one of those people who is sad to hear that Didi Kempot died some time ago. However, the musical heritage of campursari with a myriad of popular songs from Didi Kempot that makes his mood happy to the point of languishing alias ambyar, now accompanies him a lot when he is on a trip or when he is alone.

“Didi Kempot's works are phenomenal in my opinion. The lyrics are simple, but a lot happens in life, there is joy and there is sadness, it's not adventurous. The music is also pleasant to hear. Anyway, the mix is just right. Especially if the one who brought Didi Kempot directly. That's guaranteed good to hear. It's sad he had to leave all of Sobat Ambyar for good," he continued.

Even though Didi Kempot has passed away, his work remains eternal for Rony. Especially now that many young musicians are continuing in the footsteps of the campursari maestro. It turned out that he also appreciated the works of Didi Kempot's junior young musician. “Nowadays there are many potential young singers who are following Didi Kempot's footsteps in singing campursari songs. Like Denny Caknan and Dory Harsa, I like their songs," he continued.

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Indeed for Khaerony art is not the main thing in his life. But art is important for him to color his life. Living the days as a professional in Jakarta, and a father of four children from his wife who lives in Kalimantan. Art makes life more beautiful. That's why as an art connoisseur, he is very grateful to the artists and musicians who have created and made many people happy, including himself through music.

“The total investment that we have prepared to build the five hydropower plants in the Kayan River has reached US$ 17.6 billion. If all permits are in order, we are optimistic that it will be completed according to the planned target. Now we are just waiting for the PLTA 2 to 5 permits to come out from the BKPM Ministry,"

Khaerony