PLN Plans To Build 1.2 MW PLTM In Supiori Papua For Energy Equity

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia. (PT PLN Persero)

PT PLN (Persero) is building the Wabudori Mini-hydro Power Plant (PLTM) in Supiori Regency, Papua, in providing equal access to electricity for all Indonesian people, including in the 3T (Front, Outermost, Disadvantaged) region.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, said that the development of the Wabudori PLTM in the future will supply electricity to the people of Supiori, as well as support President Prabowo Subianto's program on energy self-sufficiency.

Bahlil said that the construction of the Wabudori PLTM was the result of collaboration between the central government and PLN, both in terms of energy and financing, to encourage the advancement of Supiori's education and economy.

"Ask for permission to be accelerated, when the community construction must also support it. I have made a policy. Please help PLN also during construction," he said.

PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, explained that the construction of the Wabudori PLTM with a capacity of 1.2 Megawatt (MW) is part of PLN's efforts to realize sustainable energy self-sufficiency in Papua.

"The construction of the EBT plant is the embodiment of the fifth principle of Pancasila with the aim of improving the living standards of the local community. In addition, the presence of this PLTM will strengthen the Biak 20 kV system, as well as to meet the demand growth in Biak whose capacity is equivalent to electrifying 1,666 houses," Darmawan said in his statement, Sunday, July 27.

He added that this PLTM will utilize the five-kilometer Wabudori River which is located in Wabudori Bay.

According to him, development will begin with updating feasibility study (FS) and preparing engineering design (DED) details, with operational targets in 2028 or sooner.

For information, Supiori Regency is included in the 20 kV Biak electricity system which has been connected from Biak Numfor Regency. This system has a total capable power of 32.29 MW with a peak load of 14.8 MW, providing a fairly safe power reserve of 17.48 MW.

Regent Supiori Heronimus Mansoben, revealed that the construction of the Wabudori PLTM was the dream of the Supiori community for more than 15 years. He welcomed the presence of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and the President Director of PLN who brought great hope to the people of Supiori.

"I represent all the people to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources. We thank the President Director of PLN and all ranks who have brought electricity to parts of the Supiori region," said Heronimus.

He also added that the Wabudori PLTM is expected to be one of the sources of local revenue that will support cross-sectoral development and the welfare of the Supiori community.