Ibas Oversees BPBL Programme, Pushes for Zero Homes Without Electricity

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, known as Ibas, has stated that the New Electricity Installation Assistance (BPBL) programme represents the state’s commitment to ensuring every family has proper access to electricity. He noted that electricity is not only a basic necessity but also a driver of productivity, education, welfare, and quality of life. The Chairman of the Democratic Party Faction in the House of Representatives (DPR) made these remarks while inspecting the BPBL programme in Pacitan, East Java, and delivering a socialization event on the Four Pillars of the MPR titled ‘Electricity for All: The BPBL Programme Towards Light and Prosperity’.

Ibas, who represents the East Java VII electoral district, emphasized that development must reach all levels of society. He called for collaboration between the central government, local administrations, village officials, and all stakeholders to resolve community issues collectively. ‘Today we still face many challenges. Therefore, I invite all parties to continue collaborating and ensure that no community problem escapes our attention,’ he said. He stressed that access to electricity is a crucial part of equitable development, asserting that every family deserves proper lighting as a foundation for improving their quality of life. ‘I came to Pacitan to oversee this assistance. I want to ensure that no more homes in Pacitan remain in the dark. Just as we do not want Indonesia to be dark, we also do not want our hearts to be dark,’ he added.

The Nanyang Technological University alumnus praised Desa Gesang as a priority recipient of the BPBL programme, where 20 homes have now received new electricity connections, allowing residents to conduct daily activities more comfortably. He noted that while electricity might seem ordinary to some, it brings significant change to those who previously lacked it. Ibas explained that the 450 to 900 VA connections provided are expected to support productive household activities and stimulate economic growth at the village level. He also stressed the importance of maintaining national electricity supply reliability, urging all parties to prevent policy or distribution issues that could disrupt services to the public and businesses. ‘We must not let Indonesia experience darkness due to problems that could have been anticipated. Energy supply must be maintained, and policies must favour the people and the business world so that economic activity continues to run well,’ he stated.

Ibas also expressed appreciation for the commitment of the state electricity company, PLN, in implementing the BPBL programme, which has helped hundreds of families gain new electricity connections. ‘Today, around 600 homes have received installation assistance. Indonesia must be bright, the people must be bright, so that Indonesia becomes more prosperous and the people happier,’ he said. One beneficiary, Malik Maulana, expressed his gratitude, explaining that his family previously had to borrow electricity from a neighbour for lighting at night. ‘Alhamdulillah, now our house has its own electricity. Before, at night we had to ask for electricity from a neighbour. Now our family can live more comfortably, and the children can study and do activities better. Thank you to the government, PLN, and Mas Ibas for this assistance,’ he said. The BPBL programme in Gesang Village is part of efforts to expand electricity access for communities that previously lacked independent connections, aiming to improve quality of life, strengthen family productivity, and promote equitable development in remote villages.