In the sprawling, mountainous landscapes of Papua, education has long been constrained by isolation, rugged terrain, and limited access to infrastructure. Many children in rural villages once attended schools without electricity, relying on dim daylight, candles, or kerosene lamps to complete their lessons. This lack of power severely limited access to modern educational tools, digital resources, and even basic lighting for classrooms, leaving students at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other regions of Indonesia.
In late 2025, a major initiative by PT PLN (Persero) changed the game: 413 schools across Papua received reliable electricity, marking one of the largest education-focused electrification programs in the region. This initiative is not just about infrastructure—it is a gateway to digital learning, improved educational quality, and a brighter future for thousands of students in Papua. With this program, classrooms that once depended on makeshift solutions can now harness technology, connect to online resources, and participate in Indonesia’s nationwide push for digital education.
A Strategic Move: PLN’s Mission to Electrify Remote Schools
The electrification program reflects a strategic vision by PLN and the government to reduce inequality in educational access across Indonesia. In Papua, geographic isolation, sparse population density, and challenging landscapes have historically slowed the expansion of electricity networks. By targeting schools as a priority, PLN addresses a crucial intersection: access to power directly influences the ability to implement digital learning and modern pedagogical methods.
The 413 schools now powered include both grid-connected institutions and off-grid schools that received micro-solar systems, part of PLN’s SuperSUN initiative. These solar units, combined with battery storage, provide stable electricity even in remote highlands or island communities where extending the national grid would be impractical or prohibitively expensive. In total, 342 schools received solar-powered systems, while 71 were connected to the main grid, demonstrating a flexible, context-sensitive approach to infrastructure development.
PLN’s regional director highlighted that the program is part of a broader effort to support Indonesia’s national digital education agenda, ensuring that students in the most remote regions are not left behind. Electrification is the first step; digital tools, online platforms, and interactive learning modules follow once schools are powered.
Transforming Classrooms: From Darkness to Digital Learning
Electricity does more than illuminate classrooms—it opens the door to interactive, technology-driven education. Before electrification, many schools in Papua operated in near-darkness during early mornings or late afternoons, and students often struggled to complete lessons due to poor lighting and limited resources. Teachers relied heavily on printed materials and hand-written lessons, making it difficult to incorporate multimedia learning or online research.
With stable electricity, classrooms can now host:
- Digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and projectors
- Internet connectivity for online learning, research, and assignments
- Interactive lessons through smart boards and multimedia content
- Distance learning options connecting rural students to teachers and experts elsewhere
- Extended study hours for after-school programs and tutoring
The result is a transformation in both teaching and learning. Teachers can design more engaging lessons that accommodate different learning styles, while students gain access to resources previously out of reach. The electrification of schools allows Papuan students to participate in digital education on the same level as peers in Java, Bali, or Sumatra, helping to bridge the long-standing educational divide between Indonesia’s western and eastern regions.
Stories from the Field: Real Impact on Students and Teachers
The electrification of schools has immediate and tangible impacts on local communities. In remote highland villages, teachers have shared that students now arrive at school eager to use digital devices for the first time. Classrooms once dimly lit by natural light or candles are now spaces where students can see clearly, work collaboratively, and engage with online educational platforms.
Parents have noticed positive changes too. With schools now illuminated, children can participate in evening study sessions or literacy programs. Some schools have also become community hubs after dark, hosting workshops, skill-building programs, and adult education classes powered by the new electricity supply. These effects extend the benefits of electrification beyond the classroom, creating broader opportunities for community development and social engagement.
Teachers report that electrification has also improved morale and professional satisfaction. Educators in rural Papua often face isolation and limited resources, which can affect their motivation. The arrival of electricity enables them to access digital teaching tools, plan lessons more efficiently, and communicate with colleagues in other regions, fostering a sense of connectedness and professional growth.
SuperSUN Solar Systems: Powering Remote Learning Sustainably
A standout feature of PLN’s program is the use of SuperSUN micro-solar systems for schools that cannot be connected to the main grid. These solar-powered systems, equipped with battery storage, provide reliable electricity for classrooms, computers, and lighting even in the most remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Solar electrification is particularly advantageous in Papua, where rugged terrain, dense forests, and isolated islands make conventional grid expansion difficult. SuperSUN demonstrates how renewable energy solutions can address both infrastructure gaps and environmental sustainability, allowing schools to operate efficiently while minimizing carbon impact.
For students, the solar-powered classrooms are more than just a technical upgrade—they represent an opportunity to learn about renewable energy firsthand, fostering environmental awareness alongside digital literacy.
Closing the Educational Gap: Equity Through Electrification
Papua has historically faced educational disparities due to geographic isolation and limited access to resources. Electrifying schools is a direct step toward closing the educational gap. With reliable power, students can access digital textbooks, interactive lessons, and online resources, aligning them with national curriculum standards and global learning trends.
Moreover, electrification supports the development of vocational and technical skills. As digital literacy becomes an essential competency, students gain opportunities to engage with programming, digital content creation, and other technology-related skills. This prepares them not only for higher education but also for the modern workforce, supporting Papua’s long-term economic and social development.
The program also emphasizes inclusive development, ensuring that children in remote areas, regardless of socio-economic status, have access to the tools and resources needed for quality education. This commitment strengthens social equity and fosters broader national cohesion.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Impact and Expanding Reach
While electrifying 413 schools is a milestone, the initiative is part of a long-term vision for education and infrastructure development in Papua. PLN plans to continue expanding electricity access to additional schools and rural communities, while the Ministry of Education rolls out digital devices, interactive learning platforms, and teacher training programs.
However, infrastructure alone is not enough. Long-term success depends on maintaining systems, ensuring reliable internet connectivity, and providing ongoing support for educators and administrators. Solar panels, batteries, and electrical networks require periodic checks and maintenance. PLN has committed to training local technicians and community members to manage these systems, fostering local ownership and sustainability.
The electrification of schools also creates opportunities for broader community engagement. With power available, schools can serve as centers for digital literacy workshops, adult education, and community events, maximizing the social impact of the program.
Conclusion
The electrification of 413 schools in Papua by PLN represents a transformative moment in Indonesia’s educational landscape. Beyond the technical achievement, it is a symbol of progress, equity, and hope. For students who once studied in near-darkness, electricity brings access to digital learning, interactive lessons, and the possibility of reaching their full potential.
This initiative demonstrates the power of infrastructure as a tool for social and human development. By combining electricity, digital tools, and community engagement, PLN and the government have laid a foundation for sustainable education, improved human capital, and a more equitable future for Papua.
As classrooms light up across the province, they illuminate not only the faces of students but the path to digital literacy, economic opportunity, and social empowerment. In the remote mountains, rivers, and islands of Papua, hope is now powered by electricity—and the possibilities it unlocks are limitless.