"When I came here during the groundbreaking, I inquired from the state-owned electricity company PLNs director when this project will be completed. I was told that it could be completed in six months, and now, it has been completed. Moreover, the projects at that time comprised eight power plants and not only the one in Mempawah, West Kalimantan," President Jokowi stated in Mempawah District, West Kalimantan, while inaugurating the eight MPPs.
The MPPs are gas-based power plants (PLTG).
The eight gas-powered MPPs are located in Mempawah; Jeranjang, West Nusa Tenggara; Air Anyir, Bangka Belitung; Tarahan, Lampung; Nias, West Sumatra; Balai Pungut, Riau; Suge, Belitung; and Paya Pasir, North Sumatra.
"Thank God, all the eight MPPs have been built, with a combined capacity of 500 MW. The people in all cities, provinces, and districts have the same complaints: shortage of power supplies and frequent power cuts. Hence, we opted to build MPPs, as their construction is relatively faster. If we use coal, it would take about 4.5 to five years, but these can be completed soon," Jokowi noted.
The president remarked that with the availability of electricity, the economic growth in the region could be boosted, as investors are keen to invest in the concerned provinces.
"If the electricity is not made available, how could investors develop hotels and industries? No one wants to invest if there is no electricity, when in fact, investment can provide job opportunities to the local people in the concerned regions," he pointed out.
The president expressed hope that the PLTG-based MPPs would be moved to other places.
"This is a mobile power plant, meaning they could be moved any time to other islands, which are also in dire need of electricity," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
