Indonesian President Pushes for Urgent Electrification of Remote Villages

Accelerating Energy Access Across Indonesia

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has issued a directive to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia to expedite the electrification of the remaining 5,700 villages that currently lack electricity access. This call to action was made during a cabinet retreat in Hambalang, Bogor, where the government is focusing on infrastructure development and energy accessibility.

Progress and Challenges in Electrification Efforts

As reported by Minister Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, the government has made notable progress in electrifying villages, with approximately 1,400 villages connected to the grid in 2025. Despite this achievement, the task remains substantial as around 5,700 villages continue to be without electricity. President Prabowo emphasized the need for acceleration in this area, urging Bahlil Lahadalia to work closely with state-owned electricity company PLN to expedite the process.

Government's Commitment to Infrastructure Development

The issue of unelectrified villages has been a persistent concern, with previous discussions highlighting not only the 5,700 villages but also an additional 4,400 hamlets lacking electricity access. The government's commitment to addressing this issue is evident in its ongoing efforts to improve energy infrastructure and ensure equitable access to electricity across the nation.

Collaboration with PLN and Future Plans

Bahlil Lahadalia has previously requested the cooperation of PLN in accelerating electricity access. The state-owned enterprise plays a crucial role in implementing the government's plans to electrify remote areas. With the renewed push from President Prabowo, the collaboration between the Ministry of ESDM and PLN is expected to intensify, driving progress in achieving universal electricity access.