President-elect Prabowo Subianto has set an ambitious goal to electrify all villages across Indonesia within the next four to five years. This directive, revealed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Dadan Kusdiana, underscores the incoming administration’s commitment to equitable development and improved living standards for all Indonesians, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.
Kusdiana emphasized the President’s unwavering dedication to this cause, stating, "With a target of four to five years, all villages, all regions, and all households in this Republic will have sustainable access to electricity." This declaration, made during a briefing and farewell event for the Patriot Expedition Team in Jakarta, signals a renewed focus on addressing the persistent disparities in electricity access that continue to plague certain parts of the archipelago.
While significant progress has been made in recent years, with 95.53 percent of the country’s 86.59 million households having electricity access as of the first half of 2025, considerable challenges remain. Approximately 1.28 million households in neighborhood association (RT) areas are still without electricity, and more than 10,000 locations across the nation continue to lack power. These figures highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and innovative solutions to bridge the electricity gap and ensure that no Indonesian community is left behind.
The uneven distribution of electricity access across the country is further underscored by provincial data. While 17 provinces boast electricity access rates of 99 percent or higher through the State Electricity Company (PLN), 15 provinces fall within the 90–99 percent range, and six provinces lag behind with rates below 90 percent. These disparities underscore the importance of tailoring strategies to the specific needs and challenges of each region.
Furthermore, alternative measurement variables reveal that 5,758 villages lack any electricity supply, while 4,310 locations receive only partial supply. A significant proportion of these underserved areas are located in eastern Indonesia, a region characterized by challenging terrain, dispersed settlements, and limited infrastructure. Addressing the electricity needs of eastern Indonesia will require a concerted effort, involving strategic planning, innovative technologies, and close collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities.
Kusdiana emphasized the President’s specific focus on eastern Indonesia, stating, "Indeed, the focus is more on Eastern Indonesia. The President has often stated that under his leadership everything must be completed. So, in the next five years, we at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources have been asked to address the remaining areas without electricity." This commitment to inclusivity and equitable development underscores the administration’s resolve to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities and ensure that the benefits of economic progress are shared by all Indonesians.
To achieve the ambitious goal of universal electrification within the next four to five years, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has outlined a multi-pronged strategy that encompasses grid extension, localized solutions, and the deployment of individual solar power systems.
Grid extension will be prioritized for villages located near existing distribution lines, including hamlets that previously relied on energy-saving solar lamps (LTSHE) and villages whose power is not yet supplied by PLN. This approach leverages existing infrastructure and offers a cost-effective means of expanding electricity access to nearby communities.
However, in areas where grid extension is not feasible or economically viable, localized solutions will be considered. These solutions include small, centralized systems that utilize local energy resources, such as micro-hydro power plants, biomass generators, and solar power installations. By harnessing locally available resources, these systems can provide sustainable and affordable electricity to remote communities, while also promoting local economic development.
Kusdiana highlighted the potential of micro-hydropower plants, stating that the ministry has developed numerous 100–200 kilowatt facilities in several regions using domestic technology. These facilities can operate around the clock, offer attractive financing options, and have relatively low operating costs, making them an ideal solution for electrifying remote communities with access to water resources.
For scattered households in remote areas, the government plans to deploy individual solar power systems with batteries (PLTS) through PLN. These systems provide a reliable and independent source of electricity for households that are not connected to the grid, enabling them to power lights, appliances, and other essential devices. However, the success of this approach hinges on proper management and maintenance to ensure the long-term sustainability of the systems.
Kusdiana cautioned against the pitfalls of inadequate maintenance, stating, "In our experience, if they aren’t managed properly, no one takes care of them, and they usually disappear quickly, deteriorate quickly, and end up on the market." This underscores the importance of establishing robust maintenance programs and empowering local communities to take ownership of the systems to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
In addition to these technical solutions, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources recognizes the importance of strategic planning and community engagement in achieving universal electrification. Kusdiana emphasized the role of the Patriot Expedition Team in identifying and promoting local energy potential, stating, "Perhaps this is also one of the Patriot Expeditions that can be promoted, namely, what energy potential, on a small scale? Perhaps transmigration is planned from the start, so we can determine the location of the houses, so we can develop a centralized, small-scale electricity supply system there, using local energy."
By working closely with local communities, the Patriot Expedition Team can identify opportunities to develop centralized, small-scale electricity supply systems that utilize locally available energy resources. This approach not only provides sustainable electricity to remote communities but also promotes local economic development and empowers communities to take ownership of their energy future.
The successful implementation of this ambitious electrification plan will require close collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities. By working together, these stakeholders can overcome the challenges and ensure that all Indonesians have access to the benefits of electricity, regardless of their location.
The President’s directive to electrify all villages within the next four to five years represents a bold and ambitious undertaking. However, with a clear strategy, strong political will, and close collaboration between all stakeholders, this goal is within reach. Universal electrification will not only improve the living standards of millions of Indonesians but also unlock new opportunities for economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.
The electrification initiative is expected to have a profound impact on various aspects of Indonesian society. Access to electricity will improve education outcomes by enabling students to study at night and access online learning resources. It will also enhance healthcare services by allowing clinics to operate more efficiently and store vaccines and medications safely. Furthermore, electricity will power small businesses and industries, creating new jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas.
Beyond the immediate benefits, universal electrification will contribute to Indonesia’s long-term development goals. By providing access to clean and reliable energy, the initiative will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote the adoption of renewable energy sources. This will help Indonesia meet its climate change commitments and transition to a more sustainable energy future.
The electrification of all villages will also strengthen national unity and social cohesion. By bridging the electricity gap between urban and rural areas, the initiative will reduce inequalities and promote a sense of shared identity among all Indonesians. This will contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.
The challenges of electrifying all villages in Indonesia are significant, but the potential rewards are even greater. With a strong commitment from the government, the private sector, and local communities, the goal of universal electrification can be achieved, transforming the lives of millions of Indonesians and paving the way for a brighter future.
The success of this initiative hinges on several key factors, including:
- Effective planning and coordination: A comprehensive plan is needed to identify the most cost-effective and sustainable solutions for each village, taking into account local energy resources, infrastructure constraints, and community needs.
- Adequate funding: Sufficient financial resources must be allocated to support the construction of new power plants, grid extensions, and the deployment of individual solar power systems.
- Community engagement: Local communities must be actively involved in the planning and implementation of electrification projects to ensure that their needs are met and that they take ownership of the systems.
- Technical expertise: Skilled engineers and technicians are needed to design, install, and maintain the electrification infrastructure.
- Policy support: Supportive policies are needed to encourage private sector investment in renewable energy and to streamline the regulatory process for electrification projects.
By addressing these key factors, Indonesia can overcome the challenges and achieve its goal of universal electrification within the next four to five years. This will be a historic achievement that will transform the lives of millions of Indonesians and contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable future for the nation.
The commitment to electrifying all villages in Indonesia is not merely a technical challenge; it is a testament to the nation’s commitment to social justice, economic equity, and environmental sustainability. It is a promise to leave no one behind and to ensure that all Indonesians have the opportunity to thrive in a modern and prosperous society. The journey may be arduous, but the destination is well worth the effort. The bright future of a fully electrified Indonesia awaits.