Kayan Cascade Hydropower Plant

The hydro power plant that was built on Kayan river by PT Kayan Hydro Energi. (Doc VOI)

Advances in technology and infrastructure in the energy sector are the main drivers of regional economic growth. This is proven by the progress of the construction of the Kayan Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) in North Kalimantan. Currently, the Kayan Cascade hydropower project continues to progress. And it is hoped that it will have a positive impact on the economy of the local community.

PT Kayan Hydro Energy (KHE), the company handling the Kayan Cascade hydropower project, announced significant development progress. This news also brings new hope to North Kalimantan. Deputy Regent of Bulungan Ingkong Ala expressed his pride in the progress of this project. He called it a historical milestone for the Kayan River.

This project is not just infrastructure, but also hope for the local community who hope for economic improvement. North Kalimantan community leader Marthin Billa, who is also President of the National Dayak Traditional Council (MADN), expressed his hope that the completion of this project will have a positive impact on the business sector, create new jobs and improve the community's standard of living.

KHE has set an ambitious target to complete the construction of the Kayan Cascade Hydro Power Plant by 2035.

This hydropower project has extraordinary capacity. Consists of five cascades and has the potential to produce 9000 MW of electricity. Each cascade has the potential to produce electricity ranging from 900 MW to 3,300 MW, and has the potential to supply electricity to the new capital city in Penajam, East Kalimantan. And what is extraordinary, in the Kayan Cascade hydropower project, KHE is partnering with the Japanese giant Sumitomo Corporation.

Although the deadline is quite far away, this target reflects a serious commitment to this project. The hope is that the Kayan Cascade 1 Hydro Power Plant will become the main supplier of green electricity with a capacity of up to 900 MW, which is expected to operate commercially in 2027.

However, the construction of the Kayan hydropower plant is not just a large infrastructure project. IKN Nusantara, one of the main stakeholders, announced that they would be the recipient of green electricity supplies from the Kayan PLTA. The green electricity produced will also supply the industrial area developed by PT ISI. This illustrates that this project not only has an impact at the local level but also has national implications in providing renewable energy.

In line with its positive impact, this project is also considered to have opened up many job opportunities for the local community, especially for Dayak Traditional Leaders. They call this project a significant job vacancy for local residents. Tjandra Limanjaya, owner of Kayan Hydro Energi, was even awarded an honorary title for his services to the Dayak indigenous community.

In the end, the Kayan Hydroelectric Power Plant is not just a development project, but a story of hope and progress. As a potential renewable energy provider, this project is expected to be a major driver of North Kalimantan's economic growth. With full support from the government, related companies and the community, the Kayan Cascade Hydro Power Plant has the potential to become a historic milestone in changing the face and fate of the economy, not only in North Kalimantan and Kalimantan but also Indonesia.