goodmorningpapua.com – Pegunungan Bintang (29/10)- Coinciding with the 77th National Electricity Day, PT PLN (Persero) officially electrified Kalomdol District, Oksibil District and Serambakon District, Bintang Mountains District. This is marked by the Operation Handover (STO) between PLN and the Pegunungan Bintang Regency Government as an effort to provide electricity facilities that were previously managed by the Regional Government.
Directly supplied by the Dabolding Diesel Power Plant (PLTD) with a capacity of 2×500 kW and the Hybrid Solar Power Plant (PLTS) with a capacity of 2×60 kW, the increase in working hours has been successfully realized from the original 6 hours to 24 hours a day. Now, as many as 980 customers spread across Imik Village, Arinkop Village, Dabolding Village, Okmakot Village, Mabilabol Village, Kabiding Village, Banumdol Village, Kutdol Village and Yapimakot Village have received direct PLN electricity services.
The Regent of Pegunungan Bintang, Spei Yan Bidana, explained that the local government is currently working with PLN to provide electricity for the people of the Pegunungan Bintang Regency. This is a form of shared commitment to utilize more environmentally friendly generators. “I ask for the support of the entire community, especially educated groups to help develop this area. Providing a sense of security and comfort by presenting a breakthrough for this district. Seeing the potential for water in the Pegunungan Bintang Mountains is quite large, so it is possible to supply electricity to Boven Digoel,” he said.
Spei added that in the future the people will be asked to always be able to maintain the forest so that the availability of water remains sufficient. “So please maintain it so that everyone can enjoy the availability of electricity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Ketengban Tribe, Timon Levi, expressed his gratitude because the community has enjoyed the presence of electricity better. Electricity that can currently run longer is considered to be able to support various activities carried out every day.
“I represent the community, I feel ready to support and protect PLN because it is willing to come to build the lives of our people, especially in the provision of electricity. With the addition of an electric flame, we no longer often buy candles when the power goes out. Our activities are becoming more and more helpful. Our children’s school activities have become easier. At first (the electricity) was on and off so it was difficult to use a laptop and everything else was on and off so it was difficult for them to learn and now their condition is better. Thank you PLN,” said Ivan.
Meanwhile, a Director of Planning and Infrastructure Development for EBTKE, Hendra Iswahyudi, said that electricity in the 3 districts can now be enjoyed 24 hours a day, so that people can use it for productive activities. In general, the strengthening of the electricity system in the Pegunungan Bintang Regency is expected to have a positive impact, one of which is an increase in investment in both mining and other industries.
“We are currently collaborating with the Regent and PT PLN (Persero), because we from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Director General of EBTKE have built a turbine but currently it still has to be repaired and is affected by landslides. Hopefully it can be synchronized with the network built by PLN and next year can add 1 MW of pure supply from new and renewable energy. Currently, this is the focus of our President to move into a renewable era. The hope is that this can reduce the cost of fuel for the electricity system with this energy source,” said Hendra.
In addition to the power plants owned, several electricity infrastructures have been built to supply electricity generated from the Dabolding PLTD, such as a medium voltage network (JTM) of 15.27 kms, a low-voltage network of 5.30 kms and four distribution substations with a capacity of 100 kVA and two distribution substations with a capacity of 200 kVA.
A General Manager of PT PLN (Persero) Main Unit for Papua and West Papua Region, Budiono, explained that in terms of electrifying all regions, PT PLN (Persero) always needs support and synergy from various parties in realizing this. The existence of electricity, which is currently an important thing in the midst of community activities, must be supplied reliably and continuously.
“I feel happy and grateful because in the midst of joy the presence of PLN for 77 years can also be present to help the people in the Bintang Mountains Regency,” he said.
Budiono added that PLN will continue to make improvements in terms of the electricity system, maintain reliability and always improve services. He hopes that the community can participate in supporting and maintaining all available electrical assets, both those currently located in the vicinity of the power plant and scattered throughout the region. “We will maximize various energy potentials in meeting electricity needs,” said Budiono.