1,920 Poor Households in the Land of Papua Enjoy Electricity

In order to realize equitable energy, PLN together with the government and the DPR work together to distribute free electricity connection assistance to 1,920 underprivileged households spread across the provinces of Papua, West Papua, Central Papua, Southwest Papua and South Papua. The new electricity installation assistance program (BPBL) is a form of commitment to provide electricity for all people without exception.

The BPBL program assistance provided was in the form of electrical installation, three lights, one contact and a token voucher worth fifty thousand rupiahs. Beneficiary communities can immediately feel the presence of electricity without spending anything.
 
Ferosina Sikan, a recipient of electricity connection assistance in the Kalibobo Urban Village, said that previously her family shared electricity with neighbors. Now he doesn't have to worry anymore. "Every three days we jointly pay Rp. 20,000 or up to Rp. 50,000. I hope that with this assistance, the electricity costs we pay can be lower. Thank you government and PLN, "he explained.

The Regent of Nabire, Mesak Magai, explained that it had been thirty days since the Provincial Government of Central Papua had started running, therefore Nabire Regency had to support all aspects of facilities from the economy, education to electricity. He thanked the Ministry and PLN for providing opportunities for the community to get assistance. "Today I give the highest appreciation to the PLN family and also the ministry for the current condition. In the past, in Nabire district, this lighting was like a disco light because it only worked for twelve hours or even didn't turn on. Nabire residents feel the service from the central government through PLN is extraordinary," said Mesak.
 
Installation of a new electrical connection in Nabire. (Photo by PLN Papua)
Director of Electricity Program Development at the Directorate General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Wanhar, explained that one of the government's efforts to increase the electrification ratio and help people gain access to electricity is through BPBL. He hopes that the cooperation that has been established between these agencies can be maintained and improved in the future.

"We express our gratitude and appreciation to PT PLN (Persero) together with ICON+ for making the BPBL program successful by preparing an information system to support the implementation, payment and supervision of BPBL activities in 2022. We all hope that the BPBL Program can meet the people's electricity needs and improve living standards for more productive economic activities. In the future, for 2023, the plan is to increase the assistance capacity to 900 VA so that the community can be more productive," said Wanhar.

Meanwhile, Member of Commission VII DPR RI, Marthen Douw, separately conveyed that electricity does not only turn on the lights because electricity can also improve the quality of life for the people of Papua. At night the children can study, then the presence of electricity can also trigger businesses at home. “But the most important thing is that our children can learn so that in the future human resources can be of high quality and compete with other countries. Therefore, we, the DPR RI Commission VII, and the government, hand in hand, will continue to push for government assistance for new electricity so that Papua is bright," said Douw.
 
PLN is ready to carry out its duties as a mover in the electricity sector and is ready to cooperate with all stakeholders and strategic partners. This collaboration is the first step in synergy to expand and develop other collaborations in business potential.

"Completely the installation of 1,920 households has been completed 100%. With the target given to 247 households for Nabire Regency, we succeeded in realizing it, exceeding the target, namely reaching 266 households. Thank you for everyone's cooperation. Hopefully in the future it can continue, "said the Expert Staff of the Director of Retail Director of PT PLN (Persero), Ismail Deu.

On the same occasion, PLN also handed over 247 basic food packages to beneficiaries. This is expected to be useful and help the community in meeting their food needs.

SOURCE : https://kabarpapua.co/1-920-rumah-tangga-tak-mampu-di-tanah-papua-nikmati-listrik/