OKI Regency and PLN Accelerate Construction of 13 Communal Solar Power Plants
Palembang (ANTARA) - The Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency Government, South Sumatra, together with PT PLN (Persero) South Sumatra, Jambi, and Bengkulu Distribution Unit (UID S2JB), is accelerating the construction of 13 Communal Solar Power Plants (PLTS) across several coastal villages.
OKI Deputy Regent Supriyanto, in a written statement received in Palembang on Thursday, stated that the construction of communal solar power plants serves as a solution to expand electricity access for communities in areas difficult to reach via conventional power grids due to geographical conditions.
“Expanding electricity access is part of the effort to ensure equitable development, even in coastal regions. Electricity is not just about lighting; it also opens opportunities for people to learn, develop businesses, access public services, and improve their quality of life,” he said.
He noted that the OKI Regency Government is providing support to accelerate the implementation of this programme, particularly in ensuring land readiness at each recipient site. Recipient village governments have been requested to provide donated land, evidenced by grant letters from the village heads.
“The local government will ensure support within our authority, including the readiness of donated land in recipient villages. We want this programme to truly reach the community and provide long-term benefits,” said Supriyanto.
The 13 recipient locations are spread across the Cengal, Sungai Menang, and Tulung Selapan districts. These locations include the villages of Adil Makmur, Pinang Indah, Kuala Dua Belas, Rantau Lurus, Simpang Tiga Abadi, Simpang Tiga Jaya, Simpang Tiga Makmur, Pantai Harapan, Kuala Sungai Jeruju, Sungai Lumpur, Kuala Sungai Pasir, and Dusun Parit.
The construction of these 13 communal solar power plants is part of the mandate from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to expand electricity access to areas not yet fully covered by the power grid.
General Manager of PT PLN (Persero) UID S2JB, Diksi Erfani Umar, stated that PLN and the local government are continuously coordinating to finalise land readiness and construction permits for the communal solar plants. According to him, the geographical conditions of the coastal areas in OKI require a different approach to providing electrical infrastructure.
“The characteristics of the coastal waters in OKI Regency require an approach to electricity provision that adapts to field conditions. Communal solar power plants are one of the solutions that can be developed to deliver electricity more effectively in these areas,” he said.
Communal solar power plants utilise solar panels to generate electricity and batteries for energy storage. Using an off-grid system, these plants can operate without being entirely dependent on the main power grid. This system is considered suitable for areas with scattered settlements and limited grid access.
Diksi added that the success of the programme is determined not only by infrastructure development but also by the community’s readiness to use and manage energy wisely.
“Our target is not merely to build infrastructure, but to provide electricity that can truly drive education, public services, economic activities, and the improvement of the quality of life for villagers,” he said.
He added that collaboration between the local government, village governments, PLN, and the community is key to ensuring the benefits of electricity are felt sustainably. In addition to expanding energy access, the use of solar power can also help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.
The availability of electricity is expected to support education, public services, communication, and economic activities for communities in the coastal villages of OKI. The construction of these 13 communal solar power plants is part of the efforts by the local government and PLN to accelerate the equitable distribution of basic services and provide more even energy access for coastal populations.