Minister of Cooperatives Prepares Solar Power Plants for Merah Putih Cooperatives in Remote Areas
Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono has identified numerous villages and sub-districts lacking reliable electricity, particularly in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions, while establishing Merah Putih Cooperatives. “By utilising solar-based energy, we can resolve issues in villages regarding electricity access, where the number of villages with limited access is not insignificant,” Ferry stated in a written release on Monday, 20 April 2026.
The statement was delivered by Ferry following his attendance at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Cooperatives and PT Energy Absolute Green X Indonesia. The cooperation focuses on accelerating the provision of renewable energy through Solar Power Plants (PLTS) on a micro scale of 0.5 Megawatts/MW.
These PLTS will be used to meet the electricity needs of Merah Putih Village Cooperatives, especially in remote villages or sub-districts. The memorandum encompasses the preparation of comprehensive studies on the construction and operation of solar-based energy systems integrated with energy storage.
It also includes facilitating energy distribution at the village/sub-district level through Merah Putih Cooperatives, as well as developing and implementing sustainable business models. Ferry hopes to promptly follow up the agreement with pilot projects that can be massively replicated across various regions in Indonesia.
The Gerindra politician views PLTS as a solution to meet electricity needs in villages or sub-districts still facing access limitations. “This PLTS can be managed and utilised by cooperatives, particularly KDKMP,” he said.
Ferry mentioned that the Ministry of Cooperatives had previously conducted a trial implementation of micro-scale PLTS with PT Pertamina New and Renewable Energy (NRE) on Sembur Island, Galang Baru Sub-district, Batam City, Riau Islands. In this pilot project, a 100 Watt PLTS was launched.
To support the operationalisation of Merah Putih Cooperatives, Ferry is open to opportunities for various parties to participate in accelerating electricity provision for villages or sub-districts with limited access.
Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of PT Energy Absolute Green X Indonesia, Justin Joel, stated that cooperatives represent a medium with great potential to drive energy transformation while opening broader and more inclusive investment access throughout Indonesia. In this cooperation, PT Energy Absolute GreenX Indonesia serves as a strategic partner in providing technical expertise, technology development, and investment support in the renewable energy sector.