The State Electricity Company (PLN) in cooperation with the Government and House of Representatives has completed its free electricity connection for 1920 low-income households all over Papua, West Papua, Central Papua, Southwest Papua, and South Papua provinces.
The New Electricity Connection Program (BPBL) was given as commitment to provide access to electricity for the whole community without exception. The assistance included installation, three lamps, an electrical socket, and an IDR 50.000 electricity token voucher. The assistance was well-received by the community, one of whom, Ferosina Sikan from Nabire stated that previously, she had to share electricity with a neighbour.
“Every three days we had to chip in IDR 20.000 to 50.000, I hope that this assistance will reduce our electricity bills. Thank you to the Government and PLN,” she said.
Nabire Regent, Mesak Magai, expressed his appreciation to the Government and PLN for the new electricity assistance program, which is much needed by the community.
“Today, I express my appreciation to PLN and the Government and also the Ministry for the current condition. Previously, lighting in Nabire Regency was like a disco lamp because it only operated 12 hours a day, if it was even on. The citizens of Nabire feel that this service from the central government and PLN is extraordinary,” he said.
According to the Wanhar, Director for Electricity Program Development at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Government is committed to continue increasing the electrification ratio. One of the ways to accomplish this is through the BPBL program.
“We express our gratitude to PLN and PLN ICON Plus who have made the BPBL program a success by preparing an information system to support implementation, payment, and monitoring of the program in 2022,” he said.
The Director also hopes that the cooperation can continue and be improved in the future, with the hope that it can improve the economic well-being of the community.
“We hope that the BPBL program can fulfil the electric energy needs of the community and raise the standard of living for more productive economic activities. In the future, we plan to increase the capacity of the assistance to 900 VA in 2023 to increase the community’s productivity,” he added.
Marthen Douw, member of the House’s Commission VII on a separate occasion stated that electricity is not only about lighting but can also increase the quality of life of the Papuan community. The availability of electricity can awaken the spirit of education for Papuan children and the economy of the community.
“Children can study in the evening, and the availability of electricity can spur home industries. However, the most important thing is that our children can study which will improve the quality of human resources in the future to compete with other countries,’ he said.
For this reason, Commission VII along with the Government and PLN will continue to collaborate.
“The House’s Commission VII and PLN will work together and continue to provide new electrical assistance so that Papua can be illuminated.” Douw explained.
According to the Special Advisor to the Board of Directors of PLN, Ismail Deu, PLN is ready to fulfil its duty in the field of electrification, and also conveys its appreciation to the support provided by many stakeholders in completing the BPBL program in Papua.
In 2022, PLN was given the BPBL target by the Government of 1920 households in Papua, which has been accomplished. According to Ismail, with regard to Nabire, PLN has given 24-hour access to electricity to 266 households.
“With the original target set at 247 households for Nabire Regency, we have successfully exceeded our target with 266 households. We thank all stakeholders for their cooperation and hope that it can continue in the future,” said Ismail during the BPBL program delivery ceremony in Nabire.
On the same occasion, PLN also presented assistance in the form of 247 basic necessity packages, in order to meet the community’s food demand.
Adapted from web.pln.co.id
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