Through the program, NTT received assistance in public policy governance from the ESDM Ministry, National Energy Council, Bappenas, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry (KP3A), and the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) think tank.
"ESDM Ministry will continue to strive for reliable and sustainable energy development by providing full facilities to meet energy needs in the regions," Secretary of the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the ESDM Ministry, Sahid Junaidi, stated on Wednesday.
Junaidi affirmed that his ministry is committed to providing equitable, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy access for all levels of society in remote areas of Indonesia.
He also noted that the government lauds the implementation of the Mentari program in constructing a solar power plant (PLTS) in Mata Redi and Mata Woga, inaugurated on August 26, 2022, with its assets transferred to the local government in 2024.
Beyond energy sector assistance and construction of a 95 kilowatt peak (kWp) PLTS with smart meter technology, NTT also received support in drafting the NTT Provincial General Energy Plan (RUED) document for 2025-2034.
UK Minister-Counsellor for Development in Indonesia Amanda McLoughin revealed that the Mentari program's partnership with the NTT Provincial Government for a year has produced the first RUED document in Indonesia that can integrate the principles of gender, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI).
The document will serve as a reference for local governments to determine a strategy map and policy for a just and inclusive transition to low-carbon energy.
"This milestone in the Indonesia-UK partnership shows a shared commitment to a just energy transition, which will continue to be supported by the UK government through the Mentari program," McLoughin stated.
Mentari program team leader Julio Retana remarked that his team strives to ensure inclusive and fair low-carbon development in Indonesia through the program.
"One approach is to involve all levels of stakeholders, from the national to the regional level. Thus, Indonesia's significant low-carbon economic potential can be utilized effectively," he affirmed.
NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena is committed to relentlessly pushing for the RUED document to become a regional regulation, providing a foundation for more equitable and sustainable energy development that benefits the entire NTT community.
The NTT governor estimates that the renewable energy potential in NTT reaches 26,190 megawatts, with nearly a third consisting of solar power.
He said that the collaboration in the Mentari program aligns with both central and regional governments’ “Ayo Bangun NTT” agenda and the mandate of the 1945 Constitution of Indonesia Article 35 to harness Indonesia's vast renewable energy potential.
Translator: Uyu Septiyati Liman, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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