The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Approves an Electricity Program of IDR 471 Billion for Kaltara

TANJUNG SELOR - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has approved support for a power sector development program worth Rp. 471 billion for North Kalimantan Province (Kaltara). The program is aimed at accelerating the equalization of access to electricity, especially in border areas and remote areas.

Head of the Kaltara Energy and Mineral Resources Service (ESDM), Dr. Ferdy Manurun Tanduklangi said, the approval was the result of intensive coordination between the Provincial Government (Pemprov) of Kaltara and the Directorate General (Dirjen) of Electricity of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

"According to the Governor's instructions, Dr. H. Zainal A. Paliwang, we (ESDM) will immediately accelerate the resolution of electricity problems in the region," said Ferdy, Wednesday, August 5.

Ferdy said in his presentation in front of the Directorate General of Electricity, his party had explained the electricity conditions in the province of Kaltara which still faced challenges due to geographical conditions, limited infrastructure and high costs for the construction of an electricity network to the interior and border areas.

"In addition to exposing various obstacles, the Provincial Government also conveyed strategies to accelerate electrification with the target of gradually resolving electricity problems in the next three years," he said.

Ferdy revealed that from the results of the meeting, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources agreed on three main programs with a total value of Rp. 471 billion. The programs include the expansion of the electricity network at 62 points with a budget of around Rp. 200 billion, the construction of an Integrated Solar Power Plant (PLTS) in 16 locations worth around Rp. 250 billion, and New Electricity Installation Assistance (BPBL) for 3,600 households with a budget of around Rp. 21 billion.

"The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has asked the Provincial Government together with the Regency and City Governments to oversee the implementation of all programs so that they run according to target," said Ferdy.

"All data on beneficiaries must be ensured to be valid, the location of activities must be clear and clean, and various permits and field support must be prepared early so that the implementation of the program does not experience obstacles," he continued.

In addition, local governments are also asked to actively accompany the implementation of projects and help solve various obstacles that arise in the field so that the development target can be achieved on time.

"The implementation of the program is scheduled to take place from September 2026 to July 2027. This program is expected to be able to increase the electrification ratio while expanding energy access for people in areas that have not been optimally served by electricity services," he said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of North Kalimantan, Dr. H. Zainal A. Paliwang, emphasized that the development of electricity is one of the regional government's priorities to strengthen the equitable development and improve people's welfare.

"Electricity is not only a basic need of the community, but also a driver of economic growth, education, health, and improvement of the quality of life of the community. Therefore, the Provincial Government of North Maluku will continue to fight for it so that all areas of North Maluku can enjoy adequate access to electricity so that a bright, advanced, and prosperous North Maluku can be realized," he concluded.