House Pushes for Acceleration of Village Electricity Programme and BPBL to Achieve Energy Justice
A member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Golkar Party faction, Alfons Manibui, is urging the Directorate General of Electricity, the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and PT PLN (Persero) to continue accelerating the implementation of the Village Electricity Programme and the New Electricity Installation Assistance scheme to expand energy access for communities across Indonesia.
According to Alfons, the Village Electricity Programme and BPBL are important instruments in realising energy justice while supporting equitable national development. He assessed that adequate electricity access will have a direct impact on improving the quality of life for the community and driving economic activity in the regions.
“Electricity is not just about lighting, but is also the foundation for increasing community productivity, business development, education, health services, and regional economic growth. For that reason, the acceleration of the Village Electricity Programme and BPBL must continue to be a shared priority,” said Alfons, quoted from a press release received on Thursday.
Alfons stressed that synergy between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and PT PLN needs to be continuously strengthened so that programme implementation runs more effectively, is precisely targeted, and is able to reach areas still facing limited electricity access, including remote, outermost, and island regions.
“With Indonesia’s highly diverse geographical conditions, strong collaboration and an adaptive approach are needed so that all communities can obtain reliable and sustainable electricity access,” he continued.
Additionally, Alfons also encouraged that programme implementation be accompanied by more optimal dissemination to beneficiary communities. He believes that public understanding of the available programmes will help increase the effectiveness of implementation while ensuring the benefits can be felt optimally.
“We fully support the government’s steps in accelerating the Village Electricity Programme and BPBL. This programme is a tangible manifestation of the state’s presence in ensuring that no community is left behind in obtaining decent energy access,” Alfons asserted.
Commission XII of the House, Alfons continued, will continue to support and oversee various government programmes aimed at increasing the national electrification ratio and expanding equitable and just energy access for all Indonesian people.