Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Danantara Indonesia has initiated a solar power plant (PLTS) grant program in Sumenep Regency, marking a significant step in expanding clean energy access in Indonesia. Through its facilitation, PT PLN (Persero) signed an Operational Cooperation Agreement (KSO) with the Sumenep regional government to utilize two solar power plants, each with a capacity of 1 megawatt peak (MWp), equipped with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of 4 megawatt hours (MWh).
The agreement, signed on 13 March 2026, involves solar infrastructure grants from the Yayasan Torang IWIP Berbakti and is expected to accelerate equitable access to electricity, particularly in Indonesia’s underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.
Chief Executive Officer of Danantara Indonesia, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the national vision under Prabowo Subianto to accelerate the diesel phase-out (dedieselisasi) program by replacing diesel power plants with renewable energy sources such as solar power. He noted that Indonesia is targeting solar energy utilization of up to 100 gigawatts (GW) in the coming years to strengthen national energy resilience and self-sufficiency.
The project is expected to supply electricity to approximately 2,000 households in Dusun Gili Labak and Desa Pagerungan Kecil. In Gili Labak, residents previously relied on private diesel generators for electricity, while Pagerungan Kecil currently depends on limited solar capacity following the shutdown of village-owned diesel power units.
The two PLTS units, each with a capacity of 1 MWp and supported by 4 MWh BESS, are designed to provide 24-hour electricity supply. The system is also projected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 1.1 million liters annually, contributing to both cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Head of Yayasan Torang IWIP Berbakti, Wahyu Budhi Santoso, stated that the grant reflects the foundation’s commitment to supporting government programs in expanding energy access across Indonesia. He expressed hope that the project would be implemented smoothly and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
Regent of Sumenep, Achmad Fauzi Wongsojudo, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the region’s geographical challenges. Sumenep consists of 126 islands, with 48 inhabited, making electricity distribution particularly complex. He emphasized that the project would significantly improve electrification rates and enhance public welfare.
Meanwhile, President Director of PLN, Darmawan Prasodjo, described the initiative as a milestone in cross-sector collaboration to accelerate renewable energy adoption and national electrification. He reaffirmed PLN’s readiness to implement the project and ensure reliable electricity supply to the targeted communities.
Darmawan added that strong collaboration among stakeholders is essential to achieving Indonesia’s energy transition goals, expressing optimism that the large-scale solar deployment target of 100 GW can be realized through sustained partnerships. (*)
