By: Alya Maharani )*
The government’s efforts to provide energy justice for all Indonesian people have received serious attention in the current government period. One of the concrete steps being implemented is the Village Electricity Program (Lisdes), a strategic initiative designed to address the inequality of electricity access that is still felt by some regions, especially in disadvantaged, outermost, and remote areas. The government does not only see electricity as a technical need, but also as an instrument for equitable national development.
The Lisdes program is the answer to the fact that until now there are still more than 5,000 villages that have not been electrified, with the largest distribution in the eastern part of Indonesia. The government, through an assignment to PT PLN (Persero), is targeting that 780 thousand households that have not been reached by the electricity network can obtain full access to electricity during the period 2025 to 2029. To support this target, the government is designing the construction of power plants with a capacity of up to 394 megawatts and the development of distribution networks that can reach remote villages.
This strong commitment to equal access to energy was emphasized by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia. He views the Lisdes program not only as an infrastructure project, but also as the state’s responsibility to ensure equal social justice. His childhood experience in Maluku, which at that time did not yet have electricity, strengthened his determination so that no more young Indonesians would live in similar limitations. For Bahlil, electricity is not only a necessity, but a symbol of the state’s presence in the lives of its people, from Aceh to Papua.
The planning of this program is stated in the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), which sets a budget requirement of up to IDR 50 trillion. The government is opening up space for private sector participation to accelerate the realization of this program, considering that energy equality is considered not only a state obligation, but also an investment opportunity that can strengthen the local economy. In this case, energy is seen as a tool for social and economic transformation that has a direct impact on the quality of life of rural communities.
PLN, as a state-owned company tasked with carrying out the state mandate, has shown full readiness to realize the Lisdes program in a structured and sustainable manner. PLN’s President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, emphasized that the company will carry out its role as a national electricity provider that is present in all corners of the country. According to him, electricity is a primary need for the community and the implementation of Lisdes is a real manifestation of the fifth principle of Pancasila, namely social justice for all Indonesian people. Therefore, PLN does not only act as an operator, but also as part of the driving force of national development.
Meanwhile, concern about the disparity in village development was also voiced by the Deputy Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions, Ahmad Riza Patria. Based on ministry data, around 14 percent of the total 75,295 villages in Indonesia are still classified as underdeveloped and very underdeveloped villages. Of that number, more than 3,000 villages do not yet enjoy electricity and more than 22,000 villages do not yet have internet access. Riza views this condition as a major challenge that needs to be answered with progressive policies and real support from the central government.
President Prabowo Subianto, who places village development as one of the national priorities, gave direct direction for the relevant ministries to immediately take concrete steps to resolve the issue of village electrification. This direction has now been translated into measurable operational and technical strategies, with realistic but ambitious targets. The government wants to ensure that by the end of 2029, all villages in Indonesia have access to a reliable and sustainable electricity network.
In addition to the electrification aspect, the Lisdes program is also integrated with the development of new and renewable energy (EBT), especially in areas that are difficult to reach by the main network. The government encourages the use of solar power plants, microhydro, and bioenergy as sustainable solutions that are environmentally friendly and in accordance with the geographical conditions of the village. This approach not only ensures the availability of electricity, but also supports national energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
In addition, the government continues to educate village communities to be able to manage energy sources independently and sustainably. This is part of the village transformation towards energy independence. Through this program, villages are not only beneficiaries, but also active actors in development. Equal distribution of electricity is also expected to encourage village economic growth through increased micro-business activities, education, and better health services. That way, Lisdes is not just a technical project, but an inclusive and equitable national development movement.
In line with this effort, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has distributed more than 367 thousand new electricity installation assistance (BPBL) connections to underprivileged households since 2022. This is part of the government’s holistic approach to building an energy system that not only reaches but is also affordable for the lower classes. This program shows that the state is not only present in the form of regulations, but also through real actions that directly touch the needs of the people.
By the end of 2024, as many as 83,693 villages and sub-districts have enjoyed access to electricity. However, the government did not stop there. The Lisdes program is still being continued, reaching the remaining villages in stages and in a planned manner. The government ensures that no citizen is left behind in the flow of progress due to the lack of electricity.
)* Public Policy Analysis
