The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has set aside Rp 1 trillion (US$79.68 million) to buy small diesel generators with a combined capacity of 60 megawatts for 47 border areas and outlying islands in Indonesia.
“Funds of Rp 1 trillion will be used to buy generators and the distribution equipment for 47 border areas and outlying islands,” Director General of Electrical Power at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Jarman said following a meeting of the National Energy Council on Thursday.
“The areas will receive different amounts of power. Some will receive half a megawatt, while others will receive one megawatt,” he added.
The government would soon start the project, which was expected to be completed next year, he noted.
Operating the diesel generators would not increase the fuel consumption of state electricity company PT PLN, he said. Fuel use for the diesel generators would be stipulated in a ministerial decree.
“The Energy and Mineral Resources Minister will issue a decree allowing outlying islands to use fuel after being “upgraded” with local energy,” he remarked.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said stated the project aimed to fulfil President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s pledge to supply electricity to border areas and outlying islands.
“President Jokowi once stated that he did not want any single region in darkness when Indonesia commemorates its 70th Independence Day [on Aug. 17, 2015],” he said.
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