goodmorningpapua.com – A total of 44 villages in the inland of Papua and West Papua are finally brightened by a state electricity after decades of being extremely in darkness. However, there are still 58 other villages in the mountainous region of Papua that are still waiting for electricity to flow due to security constraints.
Data from PLN’s Main Unit for Papua and West Papua states that the villages are spread over nine regencies. Those areas are in Mappi, Asmat, Boven Digoel, Dogiyai, and Deiyai in Papua. In addition, there are also in Kaimana, Tambrauw, Maybrat, and Fakfak in West Papua.
General Manager of PLN Main Unit for Papua and West Papua Region Abdul Farid in Jayapura, Papua, Thursday (26/8/2021) explained that this is the implementation of the Bright Papua Program from the central government. In the midst of difficult geographical conditions and the Covid-19 pandemic, he is grateful that the efforts to brighten the villages can generate a good result.
The electricity facilities in the Program of Papua Terang include a diesel power plant (PLTD) and a solar power plant (PLTS). On average, hundreds of these villages receive electricity services with a power capacity of 15 kilowatts (kW)-100 kW.
“Previously, people in these dozens of villages lived in complete darkness at night. This year, through Papua Terang, they can finally get electricity service,” said Abdul.
However, he said, there are still villages that do not have electricity. He gave an example that there are residents in Puncak, Puncak Jaya, Intan Jaya, and Nduga Regencies who have not yet enjoyed ideal lighting due to unstable security conditions.
“We have not been able to carry out a survey for the installation of electricity in 58 villages due to safety factors. The villages are in the mountains of Papua,” said Abdul.
Armed criminal groups (KKB) often operate in the area. During the last eight months, 9 security personnel and 13 residents died. Meanwhile, 17 security personnel and 3 residents were injured since they were shot by KKB members.
In addition to installing new installations, he added, PLN has also increased the hours of electricity from 18 hours to 24 hours in Deiyai, Dogiyai, and Paniai this year. Meanwhile in Maybrat, two villages, namely Eway and Ayawasi, now have access to electricity for 24 hours.
“The installation of electricity and the increase in duration is expected to have an impact on the electrification ratio there. We will continue to increase the coverage of Papua Terang until the end of this year,” he said.
Based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the total Electricity Village Ratio (RDB) of Papua Province currently reaches 95.09 percent of the total 5,521 villages. Meanwhile, in West Papua, it was 97.33 percent from 1,837 villages.
Paniai Regent, Meki Nawipa, appreciated this effort. This hard work of PLN can make the electricity system at the three districts operate from the previous 18 hours to 24 hours.
In the future, he appealed to residents to support PLN in maintaining electricity supply to customers. For example, the community does not hinder the work of PLN officers who want to cut tree parts that have the potential to disrupt the electricity network. “We express our gratitude to the central government, especially PLN. Our proposal for electricity can be turned on for 24 hours in Dogiyai, Deiyai and Paniai, can be realized,” he said.