By: Dodit Cahyadi )*
The Indonesian government is further strengthening its commitment to ensure that all villages in the country have access to decent electricity through the Village Electricity Program (Lisdes). This strategic program is an important part of PLN’s Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) for the 2025–2034 period, which was recently launched by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). With a target of connecting electricity to around 780 thousand households in more than 10 thousand villages and hamlets that do not yet have electricity, the government emphasizes that energy equality is not just a technical need, but part of social justice for all Indonesian people.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, emphasized that energy is a basic right that must be enjoyed by all people, from Aceh in the far west to Papua in the far east. The government views electricity access as a manifestation of the state’s presence in providing basic services evenly to the community, especially in disadvantaged, outermost, and remote areas (3T). To realize this, the government has allocated a massive investment of around IDR 50 trillion, which not only comes from the state budget, but also opens up opportunities for private investors to be involved in the development of electricity infrastructure in villages.
PLN as a BUMN that has a direct mandate from the government plays a central role in the implementation of this program. PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, emphasized that his party is ready to work fully to ensure the success of Lisdes as part of the 2025-2034 RUPTL. Darmawan views electricity not only as a primary need that must be met, but also as a symbol of the presence of the state to the remote corners of the country. With this program, PLN is expected to be able to reach all areas that have not been touched by electricity services, eliminating the social gap that has existed due to limited access to energy.
So far, the government has recorded significant progress in the national electrification program. By the end of 2024, more than 83 thousand villages and sub-districts have been electrified. This achievement shows the government’s seriousness in ensuring that the development of electricity infrastructure reaches all levels of society, especially those in remote and underdeveloped areas. In various regions, the presence of electricity has brought real positive changes to people’s lives, ranging from increased economic activity, education, to health.
Support from local governments is also a key factor in accelerating the implementation of the Lisdes program. Close collaboration between PLN and the provincial and district governments has accelerated the development of electricity networks, especially in 3T areas that face various geographical and technical challenges. Local governments also provide resource and budget support to assist in the process of installing and providing electricity for underprivileged communities, showing that the success of this program is also the result of synergy between various parties.
In addition to expanding the conventional electricity network, PLN is also trying to integrate renewable energy technology into the Lisdes program. The use of solar panels, small-scale diesel power plants, and micro-hydro systems are chosen as effective solutions for areas that are difficult to reach by the main network. This approach is in line with the national commitment to developing sustainable energy, while ensuring that the electricity distributed is not only reliable but also environmentally friendly.
In addition, the government is targeting a significant increase in electricity consumption per capita, from 1,263 kWh in 2024 to 4,000 kWh in 2045. This target reflects the hope that people will not only have access to electricity, but also be able to use it optimally for various productive and social activities. With the increasing need for electricity, PLN is also taking into account the growth of the industrial sector, data centers, and the adoption of new technologies such as electric vehicles, all of which will drive a sustainable increase in energy demand.
The Village Electricity Program is an important milestone in realizing the vision of comprehensive and equitable national development. Through the provision of equitable electricity, the government not only meets the basic needs of the community, but also paves the way for accelerating economic development in previously underdeveloped areas. This is in line with the national spirit to reduce disparities and strengthen the foundation of development throughout Indonesia.
Through strong commitment from the central government, PLN, and active support from local governments, this program continues to run with a focus on success and sustainability. The government is confident that with hard work and synergy from all parties, there will be no more villages in Indonesia that are dark without electricity. Social justice and national progress can be realized through the presence of evenly distributed energy, which is the main driver of national development and improving the quality of life of the community in the future.
In the future, the government is committed to continuing to expand the reach of Village Electricity as a foundation for transforming villages throughout Indonesia into new growth centers. This program is not just infrastructure development, but a real step in building social justice and strengthening national unity through the presence of the state to the most remote areas. With the cooperation and support of all elements of the nation, Indonesia is heading towards a brighter, more equitable, and more just future.
)* The author is an observer of development economics
