Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan stated in a press release received by ANTARA here on Monday that infrastructure development covered the oil and gas, electricity, and renewable energy sectors.
"The governments policy and program of energy infrastructure focuses on equitable development in the eastern region of Indonesia, so that goods can be purchased at affordable prices (due to reduction in the distribution chain)," he explained.
According to Jonan, the governments program of a one-price policy in the oil and gas sector will reach 33 districts in the provinces of Papua and West Papua through the development of oil and diesel fuel agents by 2019.
"Currently, the one-price policy program has been implemented in seven districts, so that the fuel price in the provinces of Papua and West Papua will be the same as that in Java Island," he remarked.
In addition to the one-price policy, the government has planned to build gas networks to connect 11,500 households by 2018 in two locations.
For the electricity sector, Jonan said the government has planned to build a 514-megawatt power plant, which is expected to be completed by 2019.
"In addition, the rural electrification program is being continually implemented to reach 186 thousand customers by 2019," he stated.
The government will also distribute packages of energy-saving lamps in the regions of Papua and West Papua where each household will receive four lamp packages.
"The packages of energy-saving lamps are a breakthrough program to ensure equitable access to electricity," he remarked.
To develop renewable energy during the 2012-2017 period, the government has built 54 renewable energy plants and installed 390 public street lights that use solar energy, among others.
"There are solar, hydro, and micro hydropower plants, among others. We have already recorded all the recipients of electricity supply by checking their names and addresses in Papua," he noted.
He also said his side had emphasized that 60-70 percent of the budget should be utilized to fund programs that can directly benefit the people in a bid to improve their welfare.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
