Reviewing Programme, Ibas Demands No More Homes Left in Darkness
Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, familiarly known as Ibas, has asserted that the New Electricity Installation Assistance (BPBL) Programme is a tangible manifestation of the state’s presence to ensure every family gains access to proper energy. According to him, fulfilling the electricity aspect is not merely about meeting basic needs, but is a vital instrument in driving productivity, education, and the quality of life for people in the regions. The statement was made by the Chairman of the Democratic Party Faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) whilst directly reviewing the implementation of the BPBL Programme in Pacitan Regency, East Java, on Monday (6/7/2026).
Ibas stressed that national development must be inclusive and reach all levels of society without exception. Therefore, strong synergy and collaboration between the central government, regional governments, state corporations, and village officials are the main keys to resolving various social challenges on the ground. ‘Today we still face many challenges. Because of that, I invite all parties to continue collaborating and ensure that no public issues escape our attention,’ Ibas told local officials and residents.
Ibas emphasised that social justice in the modern era is partly reflected by the equitable distribution of access to the electricity network. The presence of this infrastructure serves as the initial foundation for underprivileged families to improve their standard of living and escape the shackles of limitation. ‘Today I came to Pacitan to oversee this assistance. I want to ensure that there must be no more homes in Pacitan that are still dark. Just as we do not want Indonesia to be dark, we also do not want our hearts to be dark,’ said the graduate of Nanyang Technological University Singapore.
During the review, Ibas gave special appreciation to Gesang Village, which is one of the priority clusters for programme beneficiaries. In this village, there are around 20 households that have now enjoyed free independent electricity connections to support their daily domestic mobility. ‘Alhamdulillah, this area received priority for electricity installation for 20 homes. For some people, electricity might be ordinary, but for our brothers and sisters who have not had it until now, electricity brings major changes to daily life,’ said the IPB University doctoral graduate.
Ibas explained that the domino effect of the incoming electricity flow will be strongly felt in the children’s education sector and the comfort of domestic spaces. With adequate lighting, school-age children in rural areas can maximise their study time at night optimally. ‘Children can study better at night. Families can also carry out activities more comfortably. Electricity is an important part of improving the quality of life of the community,’ he outlined regarding the urgency of energy fulfilment.
Furthermore, Ibas explained that the new installation assistance with a power capacity ranging from 450 to 900 VA is targeted to stimulate the birth of new household micro-enterprises to strengthen the rural economic structure. On the other hand, he also reminded the government and energy sector policymakers to consistently maintain the reliability of the national electricity supply to avoid deficits or operational constraints that harm the public and the business world. ‘We must not let Indonesia experience darkness due to problems that could actually be anticipated. Energy supply must be maintained, policies must favour the community and the business world so that economic activity continues to run well,’ stressed the man who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).
In closing, the Deputy Chairman of the Democratic Party appreciated the commitment and performance of PT PLN (Persero), which has cumulatively managed to install new connections for around 600 households in the region through this partnership programme. ‘We express our gratitude to PLN. Today, overall, around 600 homes received electricity installation assistance. Indonesia must be bright, the people must be bright, so that Indonesia becomes more prosperous and the people happier,’ said Ibas.
At the same location, one of the BPBL Programme beneficiaries, Malik Maulana, expressed his gratitude for the realisation of this assistance. He recounted that before this programme ran, his family was forced to tap electricity from a neighbour’s house just to get minimal lighting. ‘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, the children can also study and do activities better. Thank you to the government, PLN, and Mas Ibas for this assistance,’ concluded Malik. The synergy between the government and the DPR RI in overseeing this programme is crucial so that the public can obtain their administrative rights easily and equitably.