Indonesian government and university teams expand rural electricity access

The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with PT PLN (Persero), is expanding electricity access through the Village Electricity Program (Lisdes) and the New Electricity Connection Assistance (BPBL). During an inauguration in Karawang, West Java, Minister Bahlil Lahadalia emphasized that electricity access is a fundamental right aimed at achieving social justice. The BPBL program provides free installations, operating certificates, connection fees for 900 VA capacity, and initial electricity tokens for low-income households.

In a separate initiative, the Patriot Expedition Team from the University of Indonesia (UI) is implementing clean energy solutions in Teluk Wondama. The team has installed solar panels to provide 24-hour electricity in Kampung Werianggi and is utilizing cow manure for biogas production. This project, framed under the concept of Planetary Health, also includes the digitalization of health services at local clinics and efforts to preserve forest-based food sources to mitigate the impacts of deforestation and industrial activity.