Papua — The central government, along with PT PLN (Persero), has officially restarted construction of the 1.2 Megawatt (MW) Wabudori Mini-Hydro Power Plant (PLTM) in Supiori Regency, Papua. This step is a key part of the commitment to expanding energy access in eastern Indonesia, especially for communities that still rely on traditional lighting sources.
Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia personally inspected the Wabudori Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTM) construction site in Sauyas Village, East Supiori District. The visit served as a strong signal for the government to accelerate the project, which had been stalled since 2010.
“I came to Supiori to ensure that the micro-hydro power plant construction is underway. According to the schedule, it should be completed in 2029, but I’ve requested that it be expedited to early 2028 at the latest, or, if possible, by the end of 2027,” Bahlil emphasized.
He said that this acceleration was a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto’s directive, which emphasized the importance of equalizing electricity distribution to remote villages.
“Don’t let people here still use lamps like in the past,” he added.
The Wabudori PLTM was built through a collaboration between PLN and the central government, both technically and financially. Minister Bahlil also requested that the permitting process be expedited and urged the community and all stakeholders in Supiori to fully support the development.
“Please expedite the permits, and the community must also support construction. I’ve already established a policy. Please also assist PLN during construction,” he said.
PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo explained that the Wabudori Micro-Power Plant is part of PLN’s strategy to create sustainable energy independence in Papua. He stated that this project embodies the fifth principle of Pancasila, which aims to improve people’s lives.
Furthermore, the Wabudori Hydroelectric Power Plant will strengthen Biak’s 20 kV electricity system and support the growing demand for electricity in the region. Its capacity can even power up to 1,666 homes.
“This power plant will utilize the five-kilometer-long Wabudori River that flows into Wabudori Bay,” said Darmawan.
Construction will begin with an updated feasibility study (FS) and the preparation of a detailed engineering design (DED), with a target date of operation no later than early 2028.
Supiori Regency itself is connected to the Biak 20 kV electricity system, which originates from Biak Numfor Regency. This system has a capacity of 32.29 MW and a peak load of 14.8 MW, providing a sufficient power reserve of 17.48 MW.