The sun had just risen over the turquoise waters off the coast of Biak when the sound of diesel engines humming in the distance signaled a change that could reshape life on the island. In a province where darkness still claims many nights, the arrival of new power generation facilities is not just a technical milestone—it is a leap toward economic opportunity, improved education, and a stronger connection to the rest of Indonesia.
In early August 2025, PT PLN Indonesia Power (PLN IP) took two decisive steps toward addressing one of Papua’s most persistent challenges: the uneven and unreliable supply of electricity. Through two strategic cooperation agreements, PLN IP officially assumed operations for a 15 MW Gas Engine Power Plant (PLTMG) in Biak and secured a performance-based operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for the 50 MW Holtekamp Coal-Fired Power Plant. Together, these moves represent a calculated, long-term strategy to strengthen Papua’s electricity infrastructure, bridging the development gap between the eastern frontier and the rest of the archipelago.
A Tale of Two Power Plants
The first agreement covers the PLTMG Biak-1, a compact, efficient power generation facility that runs on gas and is specifically designed for quick deployment and reliable performance in remote areas. By taking over its operations and maintenance, PLN IP is ensuring that Biak, one of Papua’s key islands, will have a dependable energy backbone to support homes, schools, hospitals, and local industries.
The second agreement is equally significant. The Holtekamp power plant, located near Jayapura, has been an important part of Papua’s grid since it began operating in 2016. Now, under a performance-based O&M model, PLN IP will be held to measurable targets for efficiency, reliability, and output. This means that the plant will not only keep running—it will be continuously improved, with technical innovations aimed at reducing downtime, improving fuel efficiency, and lowering emissions.
This performance-based approach is particularly important for Papua, where the cost of outages can be severe. A single disruption in Holtekamp’s output can ripple through the entire regional grid, affecting everything from small family businesses to government services.
Papua’s Energy Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
Papua’s geography poses a unique challenge to electrification. The province’s population is spread across mountainous highlands, dense forests, and small islands, many of which are accessible only by boat or small aircraft. This fragmentation has resulted in eight major power systems and nearly 300 microgrids scattered across the region. While urban centers like Jayapura enjoy relatively stable electricity, rural and remote communities often depend on small diesel generators—or go without power altogether.
Despite years of progress, about one-third of Papua’s residents still lack regular access to electricity. This is not merely an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to health, education, and economic mobility. Without reliable power, students cannot study after sunset, small businesses cannot operate efficiently, and hospitals struggle to run essential medical equipment.
PLN’s “Papua Terang” (Bright Papua) initiative is designed to tackle these issues head-on. The recent Biak and Holtekamp agreements are part of a larger mission: to achieve full electrification and integrate Papua’s energy network into Indonesia’s national development framework.
Why Gas and Coal Still Matter in Papua
In an era when renewable energy is gaining global momentum, the decision to invest in both gas and coal plants may seem at odds with sustainability trends. But Papua’s reality demands a nuanced approach.
Gas-fueled plants like PLTMG Biak-1 are compact, efficient, and relatively clean compared to diesel generators. They can be deployed quickly and ramped up or down as needed—an invaluable trait in areas where demand can spike unpredictably due to seasonal activities or population shifts.
Holtekamp, while coal-fired, plays a stabilizing role in Papua’s grid. Its large capacity allows it to anchor the system, ensuring that smaller renewable sources or gas turbines can be integrated without compromising stability. Moreover, PLN IP is working to improve its environmental performance through upgraded boiler technology and efficiency measures that reduce fuel consumption.
Leaders Speak: A Mission Beyond Megawatts
For PLN IP’s leadership, these projects are more than corporate deals—they’re a matter of national responsibility.
“Our mission is not just to produce electricity,” said PLN IP’s President Director, Benardus Sudarmanta, during the signing ceremony. “It is to fulfill the constitutional mandate to provide all Indonesians, from Sabang to Merauke, with reliable and sustainable energy. Papua is part of Indonesia’s future, and its development cannot be left behind.”
Diksi Erfani Umar, General Manager for PLN’s Papua Region, emphasized that energy reliability in Papua has implications far beyond the province itself. “When the lights go out here, it’s not just a local problem—it affects national economic integration. Our goal is to make sure Papua’s power system is robust so it can support growth in every sector.”
Beyond the Grid: Social and Economic Impact
The benefits of these projects extend far beyond the kilowatts they generate. In Biak, more reliable electricity means fishing cooperatives can run cold storage facilities, reducing waste and allowing fishermen to sell their catch in larger markets. In Jayapura, a stronger grid enables hospitals to maintain life-saving equipment without interruption and gives students the tools to engage in online learning.
Small and medium-sized enterprises—Papua’s backbone employers—will also feel the impact. With dependable electricity, tailors, welders, internet cafés, and food vendors can operate longer hours and improve service quality, directly boosting household incomes.
Bridging the Development Gap
For decades, Papua has faced disparities in infrastructure, health, and education compared to western Indonesia. Electricity access is a key piece of the puzzle in closing that gap. By bringing more reliable power to both urban centers and rural villages, PLN IP is laying the groundwork for other forms of development: better roads, expanded telecommunications, and stronger local economies.
The symbolism of these projects should not be underestimated. Each power plant, each kilometer of new transmission line, signals that Papua is not an afterthought—it is an integral part of Indonesia’s vision for a connected, prosperous nation.
Technical Innovation and Local Partnerships
PLN IP’s work in Papua is not just about deploying equipment—it’s about adapting technology to local needs. In Holtekamp, for instance, engineers have implemented a modified chain grate stoker system based on lessons learned from the Sanggau plant in West Kalimantan. This adaptation improves combustion efficiency and extends the lifespan of critical components, reducing maintenance costs.
Equally important is the involvement of local workers. Both the Biak and Holtekamp projects employ Papuan technicians and operators, who receive training and certification that can lead to long-term careers in the energy sector. This transfer of skills ensures that Papua’s power infrastructure will be supported by local expertise for years to come.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Horizon
While the Biak-1 and Holtekamp projects are important milestones, they are not the end of the story. PLN IP has signaled that more investments are planned, including hybrid renewable systems combining solar, wind, and battery storage for smaller islands. These would complement the stability provided by gas and coal plants, moving Papua toward a cleaner and more resilient energy mix.
If these plans succeed, Papua could not only close its electricity access gap but also become a model for how remote regions worldwide can achieve sustainable development without sacrificing reliability.
Conclusion
The hum of turbines in Biak and the steady output of Holtekamp may not grab national headlines every day, but in Papua, they are the sound of progress. They represent children studying under bright lights, businesses running without fear of sudden blackouts, and communities connected to a wider world of opportunity.
For PLN Indonesia Power, these projects are proof that the path to national unity runs through every power line and every light switch. In bringing electricity to Papua’s farthest corners, the company is not just building infrastructure—it is building trust, stability, and a shared vision of Indonesia’s future.