DPR RI Member Cek Endra: Electricity Access Must Be Equitable Across Indonesia

Member of DPR RI Commission XII Cek Endra has spotlighted the national disparity in electricity access and urged the government and stakeholders to accelerate equitable electrification, particularly in energy-producing regions that remain lagging. This is because the electricity situation in Bali faces relatively few significant issues. “We observe that there are not many problems in Bali. Its growth is extraordinary, both economically and in energy needs,” stated Cek Endra during the Commission XII DPR RI Working Visit in Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday, 26 April 2026. However, according to him, this condition is in stark contrast to several other regions, such as Jambi Province. He assessed that there are still many villages in the area that have not enjoyed optimal electricity access, even though the region is one of the main national energy sources like coal. “Jambi has a lot of coal, but there are still many villages that have not received electricity access. This is ironic,” he emphasised. He assessed that this disparity must be addressed immediately through more equitable policies. According to him, energy-producing regions should also receive direct benefits from the resources they possess, including in terms of electricity access. “Besides supplying electricity needs for Java-Bali, we who have the raw materials also want to enjoy electricity, to enjoy independence,” he continued. Cek Endra also encouraged the acceleration of electricity infrastructure development, including plans for a steam power plant (PLTU) in Jambi. He hopes that the project can be realised soon to increase the electrification ratio in the region. He also reminded that the direction of national energy development should not only focus on certain areas but also consider equity up to regions that have been lagging. “We know the focus of this energy development is on Eastern Indonesia, but other regions must not be left further behind. There must be equity,” he said. He also appreciated the steps taken by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) which has increased the budget for the village electricity programme. According to him, such support needs to be continuously strengthened so that in the next few years all villages in Indonesia can enjoy electricity access. “I hope all villages that are not yet electrified can soon receive electricity supply.”