Gov’t to Boost Rural Electrification Ratio

The Government reported several obstacles to boost rural electrification for the last five years, including infrastructure and security barriers as well as energy resources used to operate power plants.

“We have limited access to reach remote villages due to infrastructure barriers,” Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif said on Friday (3/4).

In addition, the Minister added, security aspect is also important due to the villages’ geographic position, making it difficult to reach them and support from the authorities are needed.

“We also should identify a variety of energy sources used for electricity generation,” Arifin said.

To date, the Minister continued, the Government has many alternative energies utilized as renewable energy sources.

“We have installed solar-powered energy saving lamps (LTSHE) in the last two years. However, this tool is only for three year use and we have to replace it with the new one,” Arifin added.

The Minister also said that logistics have also posed a challenge, adding that the Government has set a target of electrifying 433 remote villages in four provinces in Indonesia before the end of this year.

“We should  also improve the quality of our electricity supply,” the Minister said.

Therefore, Arifin said that the existing construction of transmissions should be completed in disadvantaged areas and also throughout Indonesia.

“We have included the project for the next five year program so we can immediately complete the transmissions. For regions that can potentially become industrial areas that need electricity, they can be supplied through the transmissions we install,” Arifin added.

Arifin also pointed out that with 35 gigawatts of power generation capacity, the Government has a lot of great potentials, including to complete the transmission and reach remote villages that need electricity.

“Quality of life in the villages will improve as the households will have electricity and can be supported by industrial activities or small business activities in their homes,” the Minister added. (MAY / EN)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas