Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Limited Cabinet Meeting (Through Video Conference) on the Increase in Rural Electrification Ratio Friday, 3 April 2020 at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Good morning.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Distinguished Mr. Vice President, ladies and gentlemen participating in this limited meeting.

We will discuss, this morning, on the increase of electrification ratio in the countryside. The electrification ratio until 2020 has reached 99.48 percent. It increases very significantly, in 2014, it was at 84 percent, and this has exceeded the 96 percent target of the National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2015-2019.

However, we must also notice that our access to electricity (% of population) ranks 95th, it is still behind Malaysia which ranks 87th, Vietnam which ranks 84th, and Singapore, Thailand, China, South Korea which rank 2nd. Also, the electricity supply quality, we rank 54th, the Philippines ranks 53rd, Malaysia ranks 38th, Thailand ranks 31st, China ranks 18th, Singapore ranks 2nd.

In addition, there are still 433 villages that have no access to electricity, 433. Although this number is small compared to the number of villages in the country, 75 thousand, but no matter what, we have to solve this. These 433 un-electrified villages spread over 4 provinces, 325 villages in Papua Province,  102 villages in West Papua Province, 5 villages in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, and 1 village in Maluku Province

I, therefore, want to emphasize several things. First, for 433 villages that have not been electrified, I ask for clear identification on which villages are adjacent to villages that have electricity, which villages have far distance between each resident and which are close.  So that we can determine the right technological approach strategy, whether by extension of the electricity network or by building mini-grids such as the micro-hydro, diesel power plant (PLTD), or distribution of electric tubes equipped with electric energy charging stations.

Second, prepare the budget, regulations, and investment policies needed to support the village electrification program.

Then, the third, I ask that not only villages with electricity but also increase access for citizens, especially the underprivileged to get electricity.

Finally, I ask that the electrification program for the villages, these electrified villages really provide added value in increasing economic productivity in the village, accordingly, the (village) electrification program needs to be followed up with a program for efficient and productive use of electricity, especially in developing home industry. And with electricity, we hope that children can study at night with sufficient lighting so that the quality of our education also increases.

That concludes my introduction.

Thank you.

Translated by : Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by : Mia Medyana B