Government and PLN Join Forces to Provide Free Electricity Connections for 750 Bengkulu Households
Singgih Permana smiled with emotion. For years, his family had lived without an independent electricity connection. Now, through the New Electricity Connection Assistance Programme (BPBL) from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in cooperation with PT PLN (Persero), his home in the Lebong Tambang area, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu, is officially connected to its own electricity supply.
"Now the children can study without fear of the dark. We are very grateful. Thank you to PLN and the government," said Singgih.
For Singgih, the arrival of electricity is not merely about lighting. He hopes that with reliable electricity, his family can improve their quality of life, from supporting the children's education to opening up small business opportunities at home.
Another beneficiary in Lebong Tambang, Lebong Regency, Hayati, showed with gleaming eyes the electric fan now functioning in her living room. A simple thing that was previously impossible has now become reality. For many families, electricity is no longer a luxury but a basic need that has finally been met.
The BPBL programme in Bengkulu Province is providing electricity connections for 750 underprivileged families. A total of 277 families in Tanjungan Village, Seluma District, Seluma Regency received their connections on 6 February 2026, followed by 473 families in Lebong Regency on 7 February 2026.
Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan expressed his appreciation for the synergy between the Government and PLN in accelerating energy equity. "The Bengkulu Provincial Government greatly appreciates the collaboration with PLN. This free electricity connection programme proves that when the Government and state-owned enterprises (BUMN) work hand in hand, the benefits are felt directly by the public. Electricity is not merely illumination but the foundation for improving quality of life," he said.
The BPBL is an initiative of the Ministry of ESDM as a manifestation of the state's presence in assisting communities that have hitherto lacked access to independent electricity. A symbolic lighting ceremony was held at the home of one of the beneficiaries, marked by the installation of a kWh meter and the direct activation of the electrical installation — a moment greeted with applause and gratitude.
PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that equitable electricity access is a PLN priority in supporting fair development. PLN, he continued, fully supports the implementation of the BPBL programme alongside the Government through the Ministry of ESDM.
"In accordance with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, we are going all out to make the BPBL programme a success. For us, electricity is the foundation for accelerating equitable development, driving the economy, creating employment, and helping to alleviate poverty. PLN will ensure that all citizens, without exception, can enjoy electricity," said Darmawan.
General Manager of PLN's South Sumatra, Jambi and Bengkulu Main Distribution Unit (UID S2JB), Adhi Herlambang, added that the programme forms part of PLN's ongoing commitment to improving both the electrification ratio and public welfare.
"PLN Bengkulu continues to ensure that no community is left behind in accessing electricity. The BPBL is a tangible manifestation of the state's presence through PLN in delivering equitable energy. Reliable electricity will serve as the foundation for improving quality of life whilst also driving regional economic growth," he said.
Now, from the wooden houses in the remote corners of Bengkulu, light is no longer merely a dream. It has been switched on, illuminating children's study spaces, enlivening family activities in the evenings, and strengthening the steps of 750 families towards a brighter future.
"Now the children can study without fear of the dark. We are very grateful. Thank you to PLN and the government," said Singgih.
For Singgih, the arrival of electricity is not merely about lighting. He hopes that with reliable electricity, his family can improve their quality of life, from supporting the children's education to opening up small business opportunities at home.
Another beneficiary in Lebong Tambang, Lebong Regency, Hayati, showed with gleaming eyes the electric fan now functioning in her living room. A simple thing that was previously impossible has now become reality. For many families, electricity is no longer a luxury but a basic need that has finally been met.
The BPBL programme in Bengkulu Province is providing electricity connections for 750 underprivileged families. A total of 277 families in Tanjungan Village, Seluma District, Seluma Regency received their connections on 6 February 2026, followed by 473 families in Lebong Regency on 7 February 2026.
Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan expressed his appreciation for the synergy between the Government and PLN in accelerating energy equity. "The Bengkulu Provincial Government greatly appreciates the collaboration with PLN. This free electricity connection programme proves that when the Government and state-owned enterprises (BUMN) work hand in hand, the benefits are felt directly by the public. Electricity is not merely illumination but the foundation for improving quality of life," he said.
The BPBL is an initiative of the Ministry of ESDM as a manifestation of the state's presence in assisting communities that have hitherto lacked access to independent electricity. A symbolic lighting ceremony was held at the home of one of the beneficiaries, marked by the installation of a kWh meter and the direct activation of the electrical installation — a moment greeted with applause and gratitude.
PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that equitable electricity access is a PLN priority in supporting fair development. PLN, he continued, fully supports the implementation of the BPBL programme alongside the Government through the Ministry of ESDM.
"In accordance with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto and Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, we are going all out to make the BPBL programme a success. For us, electricity is the foundation for accelerating equitable development, driving the economy, creating employment, and helping to alleviate poverty. PLN will ensure that all citizens, without exception, can enjoy electricity," said Darmawan.
General Manager of PLN's South Sumatra, Jambi and Bengkulu Main Distribution Unit (UID S2JB), Adhi Herlambang, added that the programme forms part of PLN's ongoing commitment to improving both the electrification ratio and public welfare.
"PLN Bengkulu continues to ensure that no community is left behind in accessing electricity. The BPBL is a tangible manifestation of the state's presence through PLN in delivering equitable energy. Reliable electricity will serve as the foundation for improving quality of life whilst also driving regional economic growth," he said.
Now, from the wooden houses in the remote corners of Bengkulu, light is no longer merely a dream. It has been switched on, illuminating children's study spaces, enlivening family activities in the evenings, and strengthening the steps of 750 families towards a brighter future.