PLN Provides Free Electricity to 65 Underprivileged Families in Samarinda
Samarinda (ANTARA) - PT PLN (Persero) through its Samarinda Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3) has distributed free electricity assistance to 65 pre-prosperous families in Sidomulyo subdistrict, Samarinda, under the Light Up The Dream programme.
Adrian Sitompul, Manager of PT PLN (Persero) UP3 Samarinda, said in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, on Monday that the Light Up The Dream programme is a social initiative funded entirely by voluntary donations from PLN employees.
The programme reflects the concern of PLN staff in helping underprivileged communities gain access to proper electricity.
“PLN is present not only as an electricity provider, but also as part of the social solution. When a house is connected to electricity, new hope is kindled for the family and the future of their children,” Adrian said at the official handover of the free electricity assistance on Rumbia Street, Sidomulyo subdistrict, Samarinda Ilir district.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor of Samarinda Saefuddin Zuhri affirmed that urban development is measured not only by impressive infrastructure or well-organised urban areas, but also by how far basic services can be felt by all residents without exception.
“Electricity is a symbol of progress. Light must not only illuminate the main thoroughfares, but must also reach the alleys of residential areas and outlying districts so that no resident of Samarinda is left behind,” he asserted.
“With electricity, children can now study more comfortably at night. Guide them so that the use of electronic devices and gadgets genuinely supports education and productive activities, not merely entertainment,” he said.
On the same occasion, Syafruddin, a member of Commission XII of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), revealed that the DPR has approved a budget allocation of Rp11 trillion for the Directorate General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) for the 2027 fiscal year.
The budget has been prioritised to accelerate the electrification of around 8,000 villages and hamlets that have yet to enjoy electricity services across Indonesia.
He also assured that East Kalimantan, including the city of Samarinda, will continue to receive allocations from the Electricity New Connection Assistance Programme (BPBL), so that more people can enjoy free electricity connections.
Syafruddin also clarified circulating information regarding power outages in East Kalimantan. He stressed that the outages were not caused by coal shortages, but were part of maintenance of the electricity system to maintain network reliability.