In recent years, Papua Tengah (Central Papua) has become a central stage for Indonesia’s broader national agenda to reduce inequality, strengthen human development, and create inclusive prosperity across its eastern regions. The accelerated electrification program led by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), supported by the Provincial Government of Papua Tengah, marks a profound transformation in how the nation views the future of its most remote communities. With the government pledging significant investment through ESDM’s “Listrik Masuk Kampung” initiative and regional leaders promising round-the-clock power in previously underserved areas, Papua Tengah is witnessing the emergence of a new paradigm—one where reliable energy becomes both a symbol and instrument of social progress.
This national commitment was reinforced by Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, who announced that ESDM has allocated substantial funding to bring electricity to villages in Papua Tengah beginning in 2026. The policy reflects a deliberate prioritization of 3T areas—tertinggal, terdepan, dan terluar (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost)—where access to electricity has historically lagged due to challenging geography, limited infrastructure, and years of under-investment. Now, for the first time in decades, the central government and provincial leadership are working hand in hand to ensure that Papuan households experience the same access to power that communities in other parts of Indonesia have long enjoyed.
The National Energy Strategy and ESDM’s Expanding Role
The Ministry of ESDM has consistently positioned electrification as a strategic component of Indonesia’s long-term development plan. According to recent reports, Minister Bahlil emphasized that ESDM will channel dedicated funds specifically for rural electrification programs in Papua Tengah. With plans targeting remote villages in districts such as Intan Jaya, Puncak Jaya, Nabire, and Mimika, the government aims to ensure that households can enjoy a stable supply in a region where energy security was once considered unattainable.
This allocation is not merely a technical decision—it reflects a moral and constitutional commitment. Indonesia’s national energy policy mandates that all citizens, regardless of geography, must receive equal access to electricity as part of their constitutional rights. By investing in Papua Tengah, the government underscores its intention to reduce historical disparities and promote a more inclusive national identity. In essence, electrification becomes a form of social justice, enabling communities to access digital information, engage in productive economic activities, and improve their overall quality of life.
Minister Bahlil also highlighted that electrification in Papua Tengah is aligned with President Prabowo Subianto’s broader vision of energy equity and regional empowerment. Under the new administration, energy development is framed not only as an infrastructure project but also as a humanitarian mission—one that ensures marginalized communities are not left behind amid Indonesia’s rapid modernization.
Papua Tengah Provincial Government’s Commitment to 24-Hour Electricity
While the central government formulates national policy and allocates funding, the success of electrification in Papua Tengah is also contingent on the commitment of regional leaders. Governor Meki Nawipa has repeatedly emphasized that ensuring 24-hour electricity in Papua Tengah is one of the province’s most urgent priorities. During his recent visits to remote districts, including Puncak Jaya, the governor reassured residents that the provincial government will work tirelessly to upgrade installations, extend distribution lines, and ensure continuous operation of power systems.
The governor’s message resonates strongly with communities that have long relied on limited, 12-hour supply cycles. In areas such as Sugapa, where electricity currently operates only half the day, Governor Nawipa openly pledged that Papua Tengah would soon demonstrate tangible improvements. He stated that within the coming years, every major district capital should be able to access round-the-clock electricity—a statement met with enthusiasm by residents who have waited years for consistent service.
This local commitment reflects a broader shift in governance. Papua Tengah’s leadership recognizes that energy access is not merely an infrastructure matter—it is a foundation for education, safety, economic transformation, and social stability. By guaranteeing 24-hour power, provincial authorities strengthen the region’s internal capacity to develop productive industries, support health facilities, and expand digital connectivity, all of which are vital for building a resilient and prosperous region.
Electrification in the Heart of the 3T Regions
Papua Tengah’s 3T areas have historically been the most underserved, not because of policy neglect, but due to mountainous topography, limited transportation networks, minimal road access, and security challenges. Reaching these communities requires extensive planning, high logistical costs, and, in many cases, an innovative combination of conventional and renewable energy solutions. It is within these isolated hamlets that electrification carries the most profound impact.
Reports indicate that several districts in Intan Jaya and Puncak Jaya have begun transitioning toward partial or full electricity availability. Residents in some parts of Intan Jaya are now experiencing 24-hour service for the first time—an achievement that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. The central government’s plan for further expansion between 2026 and 2027 is set to transform more villages from darkness into centers of social activity and economic potential.
By focusing on rural and highland regions, Indonesia’s electrification strategy ensures that the benefits of national development extend far beyond urban centers. Access to electricity enables local clinics to operate with better medical equipment, supports nighttime learning programs for students, improves public safety through street lighting, and encourages the growth of small enterprises such as home-based shops, refrigeration-dependent businesses, carpentry workshops, and digital services.
The government’s commitment to electrifying 3T regions is also a testament to its belief that economic development must reach all citizens—not only those in cities or coastal areas. Electrification thus becomes a bridge that links remote communities to the wider national economy, opening pathways to entrepreneurship, tourism, and improved agricultural productivity.
Energy Access as a Driver of Social and Economic Transformation
Reliable electricity profoundly changes how communities live, work, and learn. In Papua Tengah, where many areas have long been isolated from modern infrastructure, electrification becomes a catalyst that triggers multiple positive consequences simultaneously.
Education is one of the sectors that benefits most directly. Schools can operate longer hours, students can study at night, and digital learning tools become accessible. This development is vital for Papua Tengah, where improving human resource capacity is a central priority for both regional and national government programs.
Similarly, access to electricity dramatically enhances healthcare services. Clinics and health centers are better equipped to store vaccines, operate essential equipment, and ensure constant lighting and communication with regional hospitals. In an area where health indicators have historically been below the national average, electrification becomes an essential step toward reducing maternal mortality, improving emergency response capacity, and strengthening disease prevention.
Economically, electricity enables local industries to grow. Farmers can store perishable goods more effectively, entrepreneurs can run machines and refrigeration units, and digital connectivity encourages financial inclusion through access to online banking and e-commerce platforms. Electrification empowers communities to diversify income sources, leading to a more stable and resilient local economy.
Strengthening National Unity Through Equitable Development
Indonesia’s investment in Papua Tengah’s energy sector reflects more than a policy initiative—it signals a renewed commitment to national unity and inclusive development across the archipelago. By ensuring equal access to energy, the government underscores the message that Papua is an integral part of Indonesia’s future, deserving of the same rights, services, and opportunities available elsewhere.
This approach also aligns with Indonesia’s long-term strategy for stability, prosperity, and integration. Through a combination of infrastructure development, social investment, and improved public services, the government aims to reduce disparities that historically contributed to unrest and disillusionment. Electrification, therefore, becomes part of a broader peace-building framework—where trust is rebuilt through tangible actions that improve lives and reaffirm the role of Papua within the nation.
Conclusion
The electrification of Papua Tengah is far more than an engineering project—it is a national effort to rewrite the region’s developmental narrative. With strong leadership from the Ministry of ESDM, decisive commitment from the Provincial Government of Papua Tengah, and unwavering support from President Prabowo’s administration, Papua Tengah is entering a transformative era defined by light, connectivity, and opportunity.
From the highlands of Puncak Jaya to the remote valleys of Intan Jaya, electricity is beginning to illuminate not only homes but also the hopes of communities eager to join Indonesia’s accelerating journey toward progress. By prioritizing energy equity and placing Papuan welfare at the center of national policy, Indonesia reinforces its commitment to inclusive development—ensuring that no region, no family, and no citizen is left behind in the country’s march toward a more prosperous and united future.