"We are pleased and truly appreciate Mr. Bahlil's strong commitment to building the nation with care for commoners, especially when it comes to fast-tracking the electrification of villages that have yet to enjoy uninterrupted electricity," he noted in a statement cited here on Friday.
Patria noted that the minister’s dedication demonstrates the government’s genuine concern for the welfare of villages and their residents.
The remarks were made during his meeting with a member of the ESDM minister's special staff for the acceleration of strategic issue handling, Muhammad Pradana Indraputra, at his office in Jakarta on Thursday (July 3).
The meeting followed a discussion on cross-ministerial synergy and efforts to promote renewable energy-based electrification between PDT Minister Yandri Susanto and ESDM Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.
During Thursday’s meeting, Patria shed light on the plan to set up solar power plants in rural regions that still lack electricity, particularly those classified as underdeveloped or severely underdeveloped villages.
He noted that the PDT Ministry has been working to provide technical guidelines to such villages.
"Our initiative focuses on villages that still face difficulties in accessing electricity due to various factors, such as geographical remoteness, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate financing schemes," he explained.
He stated that the government intends to utilize data from an index designated to support sustainable development across villages.
"This index is ready for use in collaboration with the Ministry of ESDM," the deputy minister stated.
He further remarked that Minister Lahadalia’s nationwide electrification push aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's vision of developing Indonesia from its villages and outskirts.
"This is part of our efforts to fulfill Mr. President’s goal of creating developed and self-reliant villages," he concluded.
Related news: Indonesia expands electricity access to rural areas
Related news: Govt to electrify over 780,000 households across nation
Translator: Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
