A total of 179 underprivileged families across Papua have received free electricity connections through the ‘Light Up the Dream’ program by State Electricity Company PT PLN. This electricity activation program, funded by PLN employees’ donations, was carried out to commemorate the 79th National Electricity Day.
Daniel Molang, one of the beneficiaries from Koya Barat Village, Muara Tami District, Jayapura City, Papua, expressed gratitude for the assistance that has been provided. All this time, to get electricity, the head of the family, who works as a farmer, has been tapping into the neighbour’s supply and has to spend Rp60,000 – Rp75,000.
“Because today we received electricity assistance, I would like to thank PLN. PLN has helped us and our family.” “During my life from 1974 and moving from Flores to Sorong, stopping in Sarmi, and now here, I have never had electricity before,” Daniel said.
Another recipient of the assistance, Delinus Kogoya, who is in the Wouma District, Jayawijaya Regency, Papua Mountains, also expressed similar sentiments regarding the electricity assistance from PLN. He stated that he and his family can now enjoy electricity more adequately. “Thank you to PLN for helping us.” This means a lot. We can light up the house and study better,” said Delinus.
The Expert Staff of the Mayor of Jayapura in the Field of Human Resources and Community, Sem Stenly Merauje, expressed appreciation to PLN for still stepping in to extend care to the surrounding environment. According to him, PLN’s initiative has a positive impact on the community. “The city government warmly welcomes the Light Up the Dream program. This is an inspiring initiative from PLN employees.” I was also touched. “They want to do something for the prosperity and welfare of the people and can set an example,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that the Jayapura City Government thanks PLN for helping our community that really needs lighting for the underprivileged.
“This program will be implemented nationally, supported directly by the PLN leadership, and will be carried out every year.” “This collaboration must continue to be established from PLN, the City Government, to village officials, RT, RW,” emphasized Sem Stenly Merauje.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of PT PLN (Persero) Papua and West Papua Region, Rizky Mochamad, stated that the Light Up the Dream program is a form of PLN’s concern for underprivileged communities who have not yet enjoyed electricity connections. This form of assistance also represents PLN’s presence in providing equal electricity access for all communities in line with the target of achieving a 100 percent electrification ratio. Since the Light Up the Dream program was launched, PLN Papua and West Papua Region has successfully connected 2,242 beneficiary customers through donations from PLN UIW Papua and West Papua employees. “We will continue to be committed to illuminating the dreams of all communities residing in the remote areas of Papua, from Sorong to Samarai, in the spirit of Indonesia that continues to shine,” said Rizky Mochamad.
This program is simultaneously carried out in 8 Customer Service Implementation Units (UP3) of PLN in the working areas of Papua and West Papua. Out of a total of 179 beneficiary families, UP3 Jayapura provided the most assistance to 48 underprivileged families.
“This is PLN’s effort to provide lighting to communities in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas (3T) and as a step to improve the living standards of the community in driving the wheels of the economy.” Hopefully, starting with this simple small step, it can have a big impact on the recipients,” concluded Rizky Mochamad.
West Papua Now 