In the rugged terrain of Papua, where thick forests meet isolated coastlines and villages are often separated by days of travel, light has long been a luxury. But today, in remote settlements like Pulau Owi and Supiori, the hum of electricity is beginning to replace the silence of darkness. For many Papuans, it is a sound that signals hope, change, and long-overdue justice.
In the first half of 2025, the Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and the state-owned electricity company PLN, has significantly ramped up efforts to electrify Papua. As of June, 36 previously dark villages now have electricity for the first time, bringing light to 1,606 households, and with them, a new sense of belonging in the Indonesian national story.
“Electricity is not just about lights. It’s about dignity, equality, and opening doors for opportunity,” said Darmawan Prasodjo, President Director of PLN, during a recent press briefing.
These achievements are not just numbers on a spreadsheet—they represent a turning point in Indonesia’s commitment to energy equity, especially for the country’s easternmost and often overlooked province.
A Mission Rooted in Energy Justice
For decades, access to electricity in Papua has lagged far behind other regions. In some areas, electrification rates hovered below 60%, leaving tens of thousands of families dependent on candles, kerosene, or simply going without power altogether. This stark disparity has long stood in contrast to Indonesia’s broader economic progress.
To close the gap, the government launched the “Listrik Desa” (Village Electricity) program—an initiative anchored in the principle of national energy justice. The Ministry of ESDM, working closely with PLN, has since made Papua a priority zone.
“We cannot speak of national development if entire communities are left in the dark,” said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif. “Every Indonesian, regardless of geography, deserves access to basic infrastructure like electricity.”
The initiative targets not only the provision of power infrastructure but also ensures free electricity connections for underprivileged families, particularly those living in extreme poverty.
Lights On: Owi Island and Supiori Shine
Nowhere is the impact more visible than in Pulau Owi and Supiori, where the first-ever grid connections were recently completed. PLN provided free electricity access to dozens of low-income families, a gesture that was met with both joy and disbelief.
In one village, children were seen clapping as light bulbs flickered on for the first time. “My kids can now study at night,” said Lidia Wanimbo, a mother of four. “Before, we used candles or oil lamps, which were expensive and dangerous.”
Local elders expressed gratitude, noting that the lights symbolize more than utility—they affirm state presence, long absent from these isolated communities. For many, this is the first direct benefit of national programs they’ve seen in years.
Reaching the Unreachable: 36 Villages and Counting
In the broader landscape of Papua, PLN’s electrification campaign has delivered results that are both strategic and humane. 36 villages received new or upgraded electricity systems between January and June 2025. These villages span across mountainous interiors and isolated coastal zones that are often inaccessible by road.
Many of these installations involved off-grid solutions, including solar-powered systems, microgrids, and hybrid diesel-solar installations—highlighting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy even in difficult terrains.
“Our approach is flexible and technology-driven,” said a PLN regional manager in Papua. “We don’t wait for the grid to arrive—we bring the power in whatever form is most feasible.”
This modular strategy has allowed PLN to deploy resources faster and reach areas once deemed logistically impossible.
Bridging Inequality with Infrastructure
These electrification efforts are part of a broader strategy to correct structural imbalances. The Papua region—despite being rich in natural resources—has long suffered from underinvestment in public services. Lack of electricity has compounded challenges in education, healthcare, and local entrepreneurship.
“Electricity is the backbone of development,” said Dr. Paskalis Yogi, a development economist at Cenderawasih University. “Without it, even the best schools and clinics cannot function optimally. What we are seeing now is the foundation being laid for real social mobility.”
With electricity, clinics can store vaccines, schools can use computers, and local economies can diversify beyond subsistence farming. Youths can pursue digital skills, and women-led home businesses—like baking or weaving—can grow more productive.
Community-Centric Development
A key strength of PLN’s initiative lies in its community engagement. Before entering a village, teams conduct assessments, consult elders, and map out local needs. This participatory model ensures that technology is adapted to cultural context and that local people have ownership over the process.
“We’re not just dropping transformers and leaving,” said PLN field officer Budi Saputra. “We train residents, hire local workers, and educate families about safe electricity use.”
This human-centered approach builds trust and sustainability. In many villages, young people are now being trained to become local technicians—ensuring long-term maintenance and fostering skills that could fuel a broader green workforce in the future.
Overcoming Barriers: Geography and Cost
Despite the positive outcomes, electrifying Papua remains a herculean task. The geography is unforgiving—rivers, swamps, and highlands cut off entire districts. Weather conditions and supply chain challenges delay equipment delivery. In some cases, transporting a single pole can take days by boat and foot.
Costs are also significantly higher than in Java or Sumatra. Electrifying one village in Papua can cost two to three times more due to logistical complexity. Yet, PLN and ESDM remain undeterred.
“It’s not about the cost—it’s about the principle,” said Minister Tasrif. “Energy equality is non-negotiable. Every watt delivered in Papua is a victory for the republic.”
Looking Ahead: Toward 100% Electrification
While the 2025 mid-year results are encouraging, the road ahead is long. Thousands of households in Papua still remain off the grid, and expanding access will require sustained investment, political will, and community collaboration.
But there is momentum now. With each village lit, with each house electrified, the belief that “Papua is part of Indonesia” becomes more than a legal statement—it becomes lived reality.
The national target of 100% electrification in Papua by the end of the decade may seem ambitious, but it is increasingly within reach. Programs like “Listrik Desa” and innovations in off-grid technology provide a roadmap. More importantly, the political consensus is there: Papua must not be left behind.
Conclusion
What is happening across Papua in 2025 is nothing short of transformative. From Pulau Owi to Supiori and beyond, electricity is not just lighting homes—it’s illuminating futures. It’s connecting villages to the heart of the nation, unlocking the potential of generations long cut off from opportunity.
The Indonesian government’s commitment through ESDM and PLN represents more than infrastructure—it is a pledge to uphold equality, to bridge the development divide, and to build a more just nation.
As the sun sets behind the Papuan mountains and light bulbs flicker on in village after village, one thing is clear: the future is no longer dark. It is electric, inclusive, and alive with possibility.