Residents of the Peak of Papua are now electrified

Residents of the Peak of Papua are now electrified

The Regent of Puncak, Willem Wandik, said the Ilaga Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) had been completed, he hoped that the flow of electricity through the Ilaga PLTMH would bring blessings and prosperity for the residents.

The people of Puncak Regency, Papua, get a very beautiful Christmas present. Because the Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) Ilaga finally began operating and delivering electricity to the homes of Ilaga residents and other districts in the Puncak District area which was inaugurated by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Arifin Tasrif, together with the Regent of Puncak, Willem Wandik, in Friday (12/20).

ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif said the support of the central government for the construction of the Ilaga PLTMH was evidence of the presence of the state in meeting the needs of its citizens. The government always pays attention to promoting all regions to develop and balance with other regions.

"That is why the government through Mr. President has focused a lot on development in areas that are difficult to reach to be able to also enjoy development," Arifin said through his written statement.

The Ilaga PLTMH is expected to provide broad benefits besides generating electricity for lighting and household facilities, but also to improve health and education services.

"We would like to convey greetings from Mr. President Joko Widodo. He expressed his warmest regards to all of the people of Puncak District, while at the same time congratulating him to celebrate Christmas and New Year, "said Arifin.

Willem Wandik also mentioned that the construction of the Ilaga PLTMH is in line with the Bright Indonesia Program in 2019 as targeted by President Joko Widodo. Ilaga PLTMH can be evidence of the presence of the state to its citizens. On behalf of the government and the people of Puncak Regency, he expressed his respect to Mr. President Jokowi and the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Arifin Tasrif, who were willing to attend to inaugurate the operation of the Ilaga PLTMH.

Ilaga PLTMH operates by utilizing the Jila River flow. This PLTMH is supported by two turbines with a generating capacity of 350 kilowatts (kWh) each. The idea of ​​the construction of the Ilaga PLTMH was initiated in 2013 in line with the Terang Kampungku program, which became a priority program for Willem Wandik as the Peak Regent, and in line with the renewable energy utilization program for the supply of electricity initiated by the central government.

Willem said that the presence of electricity through PLTMH will stimulate industrial growth in Puncak District. This also makes him optimistic that the area he leads will become an icon of economic growth, especially considering the age of the Puncak Regency, which is only 10 years old.

The Ilaga PLTMH has also provided significant benefits. The budget to meet electricity needs before PLTMH reaches Rp 15 billion per year and after PLTMH more than half of the budget can be diverted for education, health, and other programs that can improve people's welfare.