Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini said that the initiative is a part of efforts to address the issue of transportation, particularly in terms of logistics, to such areas.
She delivered the statement on Monday at the institute's campus.
"Which is why on motorbikes there are (compartments) to carry items in highlands area because over there, (transportation) is super expensive. Hence, we requested for electric bikes, which can be used to get up and down hilly areas in Papua. Since oil over there is scarce, we use solar-powered electricity (for the bikes)," she explained.
She informed that charging stations will be built in the areas to recharge the batteries of the motorbikes.
"We will install (the charging stations) in some places, in some districts, in the highlands for electric motorbikes," she said.
Electric stoves would also be provided to people living in the border areas to help those who have difficulty obtaining gas, Rismaharini disclosed.
"And then we went to Krayan. Krayan is in North Kalimantan, which borders Malaysia. (The people there) have difficulty getting gas; they cannot cook because it (the gas station) is too far. If we want to go there, we have to use a small plane; we cannot go using land route. Gas needs big transportation, which makes it costly, causing them to often not get any of it," she elaborated.
The ministry will hold a discussion with the rector of ITTS, Tri Arief Sardjono, and the local people to find a solution to the issue.
According to Sardjono, electric motorbikes can carry loads of 200kg on their rear, and they can go as far as 60 to 70 km with just 2–3 hours of charging.
"The difference is, they use build up, no longer using chain. It's already on the rim. Now there's only a unit, there will be a second version from us," he added.
Sardjono said that the electric stove made by the institute will be different from the ones sold in the market as it will incorporate solar-powered electricity.
He further said he expects that the innovations would prove useful for beneficiaries.
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Translator: Willi Irawan, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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