Surprise Reward! It Turns Out That Hundreds Of Batteries In Parang Island's Electricity Supply Have Died

Photo of Central Java Provincial Government Public Relations

JAKARTA - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo found an unexpected fact when he came to Parang Island, Karimunjawa District. When he came to the solar power plant (PLTS) assisted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ganjar even found hundreds of dead batteries in that place.

Worse, this incident has been going on for quite a while. Automatically, the electricity supply in Parang Island is practically interrupted. So the electricity source is obtained from diesel power plants and partly solar power from Danish-assisted power plants.

"It hasn't worked for a long time, sir. The batteries are all dead. We can't afford it if we buy it because it's very expensive," said Parang Island official, Muh Zaenal Arifin when met by Ganjar, Friday, September 10.

Parang Island actually has electricity for 24 hours. But because one of the energy sources has not been functioning since 2004, plus a dead battery, the electricity supply has been disrupted.

"We hope that Pak Ganjar can help. We entrust it so that electricity in Parang, Mosquito and Genting islands can be like Karimunjawa. The one who manages PLN, "he said.

Muh Zaenal admitted that five years ago he proposed a battery replacement to the local government. However, until Ganjar finally arrived at this place, there had been no change.

Ganjar Pranowo admits that energy transformation is needed, including electricity management on Parang Island. Because if it is charged by the residents, the residents will not be able to.

"I remember very well, I entered Karimunjawa using diesel electricity and it was only on for six hours. After that we can now help 24 hours. On Parang Island there was also no electricity, then used diesel from Karimunjawa was taken here," said Ganjar as quoted from Diskominfo Central Java.

Ganjar supports the proposal from senior officials and sub-district heads for PLN to assist in managing electricity on the island. Because if it is managed by residents, then they object.

"I'll talk to the local government later, including from PLN. I think PLN really needs help. Indeed, in remote areas like this, there must be special treatment," he explained.