MPR Deputy Chairman Highlights Uninhabitable Houses During Inspection of Electricity Aid in Remote Trenggalek

MPR RI Deputy Chairman Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono highlighted the numerous uninhabitable homes among residents during his inspection of the New Electricity Installation Assistance (BPBL) programme in Salamwates Village, Trenggalek Regency, East Java, on Tuesday (6/5/2026). During the visit to the remote area, Ibas even had to leave his official vehicle and continue the journey on a resident’s motorbike due to the narrow, rocky, and slippery road conditions. The inspection was conducted to ensure that people in remote areas receive access to electricity and decent basic services. One of the homes visited belonged to Sukarni, a recipient of the new electricity installation aid. Upon directly observing the residents’ living conditions, the Chairman of the Democratic Party Faction in the DPR RI admitted to feeling saddened by the distressing state of the homes. “There is still much that we must continue to support. From improving road access, residents’ homes that are not yet habitable, to electricity availability. We must oversee each one together. I am saddened that there are still people whose lives are not yet decent,” said Ibas. In the BPBL programme, Sukarni’s home received assistance for a 900-watt electricity installation, including three light points and one socket outlet. Ibas asked that the aid be maintained and utilised to support residents’ daily activities. “Now we can be very grateful, Sir. Please take care of the electricity and maintain it. May your home become brighter, more comfortable for activities, and more productive every day,” he stated. According to Ibas, access to electricity is a basic right of the people, and the state must be present to ensure that this service is felt even in remote areas. “We want that even in remote areas, people can fully enjoy access to electricity. This is the right of citizens. The state must be present, and we, together with PLN, are committed to continuing to fight for it,” he emphasised. He also appreciated PLN’s steps, which he assessed as continuously expanding electricity services to remote villages. “Thank you to PLN for continuously working to electrify the entire country. This is part of social justice so that electricity shines wherever the people are,” he added. Besides electricity issues, Ibas also requested that village apparatus actively update data on residents needing assistance, both for house renovation programmes and other social aids. He said that if there were still residents with uninhabitable homes, he was ready to push for renovation assistance through government programmes. “If there are people here whose homes are indeed not yet habitable, insyaallah we will try to help with the renovation. Last year in Trenggalek, approximately 200 homes were successfully overseen to receive assistance,” said Ibas. In Salamwates Village, there are eight homes that received new electricity installation aid. Ibas hopes that the programme will continue to be expanded so that more people in remote areas can feel the benefits of the state’s presence.