10,068 Locations Throughout Indonesia Haven't Enjoyed Access To Electricity

Coordinator of Plans and Reports of the Directorate General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Eri Nurcahyanto, (photo: dock. esdm)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Data Sources (ESDM) revealed that there are 10,068 locations throughout Indonesia that have not been able to enjoy access to electricity like other regions.

Coordinator of Plans and Reports of the Directorate General of Electricity, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Eri Nurcahyanto, his party together with PLN have identified and compiled strategic steps to accelerate the provision of energy in these areas.

Eri admitted that the eastern region of Indonesia was indeed a joint homework (PR) that had to be completed.

"The electrification ratio or access to electricity must be increased. We must work hard for it. The President is committed to resolving the (problems) of the community, which until today have not enjoyed access to electricity within the next 4 to 5 years," said Eri in an official statement, Sunday, August 3.

Eri said cross-sectoral synergy is the key in encouraging the acceleration of national electrification.

"The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, PLN, local governments, as well as business actors and development partners continue to strengthen collaboration so that every step taken is effective, sustainable, and in accordance with the characteristics and needs of their respective regions," he explained.

PLN Ready To Accelerate Electricity Access Provision

Director of PLN Distribution, Arsyadany Ghana Akmalaputri, said that his party is committed to presenting electricity throughout the country as part of the Pancasila mandate to realize justice for all Indonesian people.

This commitment is in line with the 2025 to 2029 Village Electricity Program (Lisdes) roadmap which targets comprehensive electrification, including in disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas.

PLN will carry out a mandate from the government to increase and distribute electricity to all corners of Indonesia. And because for us it is not just light, but this is a sign of the presence of justice, progress and hope for all children of the country," said Arsyadany.

Arsyadany revealed that most areas that have not been electrified are in the 3T area with difficult geographical challenges. To answer this, PLN applies a Lisdes New Way approach that shifts the electricity system from the centralization model to distributed generation and smart microgrid-based local renewable energy.

"This approach is reinforced by geospatial-based mapping, so it is more adaptive and efficient in reaching remote points," he said.

Arsyadany said this strategy was carried out through various efforts, including the use of battery-based solar power plants (PLTS) which were considered effective in responding to electrification challenges in areas that were difficult to reach conventional networks.

In addition, PLN also collaborates across functions combined with PLN's Electric New Installation Assistance (BPBL) strategic program and Light Up The Dream (LUTD).

The presence of access to electricity can create a real multiplier effect for people's lives through strengthening the education sector, health services, local economy, and food security. So this also supports the achievement of national economic growth targets," said Arsyadany.