Not only trying to rise from the economic downturn after being hit by the pandemic, but the Indonesian government is currently also trying to equalize the right to access to lighting and electricity throughout Indonesia. The electricity problems have prompted the Indonesian government to install solar lamps in West Papua and other inland points of Papua.
The Installment of Solar Lamps in West Papua
The installation of 388 Energy Efficient Solar Lamps (LTSHE) was inaugurated by The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in Lanny Jaya and Yahukimo Regencies in Papua to prove their act on equalization in every province in Indonesia.
The Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources admitted that the government had finished the installation and distribution of LTSHE in the two districts 100 percent. Thus, every home in Papua can enjoy the light of the LTSHE lamp.
This solar energy-based lamp (LTSHE) is a plan while waiting for the PLN network to enter 3T areas. It is set for three years from implementing the lighting program in remote areas of the country.
Why Does The Government Choose Solar Lamps?
There are several reasons why they chose to install solar lamps in the inland area of Papua. One of the main reasons is that The State Electricity Company (PLN) admits the difficulty accessing electricity. Whether in the inland and the coastal regions of Papua. Therefore, to overcome the lighting problem in the area, PLN decided to maximize the potential of renewable resources in Papua. One of the best solutions is to install solar lamps with renewable energy, namely: LTSHE.
The government coordinates efforts to optimize local renewable energy sources for electricity supply. This act is supported by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through the Director-General of EBTKE. With the distribution and installation of LTSHE in the outermost areas, these renewable resources can gradually resolve the stunning problem. Director of Planning and Infrastructure Development for EBTKE, Hendra Iswahyudi, stated that installing 388 LTSHE units in Papua is part of PLN’s pre-electrification program.
He said that before the PLN network is accessible, this LTSHE is a pre-electrification program. The main solar electricity can be accessible, or through other EBT sources in the future.
So, access to electricity will increase the life expectancy and welfare of the residents. In this case, installing solar lamps is one of the government’s missions to continue to strive so that the community can directly perceive the use of the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN). The government’s focus is to utilize the potential of local energy sources so that it will continue to provide energy access. It is one of their plans for the outermost and foremost areas.
The Progress of The Installment of Solar Lamps
Currently, the investment value of PLN for installing LTSHE is reaching 2.07 trillion rupiahs. These are open out in around 807 villages, and it is also able to build electricity in the provinces of Papua and West Papua. With a power reserve of 155 watts that PLN has, they are also ready to invite investors to invest capital for maximizing electricity and power generation in Papua.
The Other Reasons for Installment of Solar Lamp in Papua
Besides the electricity problems that Papua has to face because of its area, there are also several reasons why the government chose solar lamps (LTSHE).
The first advantage is that resources will never run out. As already explained, the source of solar lamps is light from the sun. Sunlight will never run out and is environmentally friendly because it does not produce waste or pollution. So, while giving them a perfect source of light and electricity, renewable energy also ought to preserve the natural potential in Papua.
Meanwhile, for the installation, it is relatively easy. LTSHE only needs to place the solar garden lights in an open area so that these solar lights can catch the rays of the sun. In addition, there is no need for additional cables, so it is safer and neater.
Through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in 2017, the government implemented the pre-electrification program through LTSH with a total installation of 363.220 units in 4,061 villages throughout Indonesia.
In 2021 alone, the target for installing LTSHE is to reach 1,095 units. It appears in over four provinces and eight regencies within their emergency points.
The Conclusion
The conclusion is that the installation of LTSHE, which has been supported by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and carried out by PLN, is proof of the seriousness of the Indonesian government in providing justice for access to electricity and energy power in all corners of Indonesia.
In addition, the selection of solar lamps is one of the wise choices in implementing the APBN. It provides lighting and electricity to the people in Papua and protects the natural potential in Papua.Thus, areas in the Papua and West Papua areas can now feel good lighting. They also no longer have difficulty accessing electricity in every home.
