In a landmark step toward energy independence and sustainability, the southern region of Papua witnessed a historic moment on August 1, 2025. The Governor of South Papua, Apolo Safanpo, officially inaugurated the first Biogas Power Plant (PLTBg) and Compressed Biomethane Gas (CBG) facility in Merauke—marking a bold new chapter for renewable energy in one of Indonesia’s most remote provinces.
Standing beneath a cloudless sky at the newly built facility, Governor Apolo addressed a crowd of government officials, company representatives, and local community members, stating:
“This is more than just a power plant—it’s a symbol of transformation. We are proving that even in Papua Selatan, we can develop energy sources that are renewable, clean, and community-oriented.”
This power plant, developed by TSE Group, is not only the first of its kind in Papua but also a pioneering project in Indonesia’s broader push toward clean energy and green infrastructure. With the plant now operational, South Papua is beginning to reap the benefits of sustainable development—both in terms of energy resilience and improved livelihoods for its people.
A Long-Awaited Leap Toward Energy Equity
The PLTBg facility in Merauke is designed to generate electricity using biogas produced from palm oil mill effluent (POME), an abundant and underutilized byproduct of the palm oil industry. Instead of allowing POME to emit harmful methane gases into the atmosphere, this plant captures and converts it into clean, usable energy.
This innovation couldn’t come at a better time. Papua Selatan, despite its rich natural resources, has long suffered from energy poverty—with many rural villages relying on diesel generators, kerosene lamps, or simply going without reliable electricity.
“In the past, we would only get power at night for a few hours,” said Martha Yogi, a resident from a nearby village. “Now, our children can study after sunset, and we can store food longer. It’s changing our way of life.”
With a capacity of 1.2 megawatts, the biogas plant can power hundreds of homes and small businesses, helping to stabilize local energy supply and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, the CBG unit enables the production of clean-burning biomethane gas that can be used for cooking, industrial fuel, or even transportation—offering a full-circle solution to energy access in remote regions.
Local Government and Private Sector: A Model of Collaboration
The inauguration ceremony was a celebration of not only technological progress but also collaborative governance. TSE Group, a clean energy company with a growing portfolio across Indonesia, worked hand in hand with the South Papua provincial government to ensure the project aligned with local needs.
Governor Apolo emphasized the project’s inclusive nature during his speech:
“This facility stands because of trust and cooperation—between government, the private sector, and the people. It shows how investment can go hand in hand with empowerment.”
Crucially, the project has also created employment opportunities for locals, from construction and operations to maintenance and waste management. Many of the plant’s employees come from Merauke and surrounding villages, a strategic effort to build local capacity and transfer knowledge.
Environmental and Economic Impact
Beyond energy supply, the biogas plant serves a critical environmental function. Papua, like many parts of Indonesia, faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with conservation. This plant achieves both by turning waste into energy, thereby reducing methane emissions and promoting circular economy practices.
“This is clean technology at work,” said Rudi Gunawan, a TSE engineer. “Not only are we reducing greenhouse gases, but we’re also improving how local industries handle their waste.”
For the local economy, the benefits are manifold. Small businesses that previously had to ration energy use—such as cold storage providers, rice mills, or digital service providers—can now operate more efficiently. Over time, this could stimulate microenterprise growth and attract more investment to Papua Selatan’s developing districts.
A Symbol of Justice and Inclusion in Papua
The inauguration of this power plant also carries deeper socio-political meaning. Papua has long been a region associated with underdevelopment, conflict, and marginalization. For decades, the narrative has been one of “waiting”—for roads, for services, for electricity. With this project, the people of Papua Selatan are no longer waiting—they are participating, innovating, and leading.
“This project is not just about electricity. It’s about dignity,” said Imanuel Kaize, a South Papua official. “For too long, people thought Papua was only a consumer of aid. Now we are producers of clean energy.”
The central government’s energy transition roadmap, known as the Rencana Umum Energi Nasional (RUEN), has increasingly prioritized outer island provinces like Papua. The Merauke PLTBg project is now seen as a flagship example of how regional development can align with national decarbonization goals.
Community Empowerment and Knowledge Transfer
What sets the Merauke biogas facility apart is its community-centered approach. TSE Group has launched a parallel program to educate local students and vocational trainees on renewable energy systems, biomass technology, and sustainable agriculture.
“Papuan youth must be the future guardians of this technology,” said Agustinus Kambu, head of the vocational education board in South Papua. “We cannot just import engineers. We must grow our own.”
Workshops, internships, and site tours are already being conducted with local schools and universities, sparking new interest in STEM education and green careers. This is a long-term investment in human capital that will extend the benefits of the project far beyond kilowatt-hours.
A Blueprint for the Rest of Papua—and Beyond
As the first of its kind in Papua, the Merauke biogas power plant is being closely watched by stakeholders across Indonesia. Environmental NGOs, policymakers, and energy developers see the facility as a proof of concept—a scalable model that could be replicated in other parts of Papua, Kalimantan, or even remote areas of Sulawesi.
The success of the project lies not only in its technical specifications but also in its ability to gain public trust, deliver tangible benefits, and align with national goals. With Indonesia committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, projects like this will be instrumental in meeting that target—while also improving lives on the margins.
Looking Ahead: Powering the Future of South Papua
The lights are staying on longer in Merauke, and that is not just a technical milestone—it’s a human one. Families can cook more safely. Students can study without interruption. Entrepreneurs can scale their ideas. This is what energy justice looks like.
The inauguration of the Merauke PLTBg facility is not the end of a journey, but the beginning. It is the first bold step in a larger movement to bring sustainable, dignified energy to all corners of Papua. And with the support of government, industry, and most importantly, the people—it will not be the last.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Merauke Biogas Power Plant marks more than just the arrival of renewable energy in Papua Selatan—it symbolizes progress, inclusion, and a powerful shift toward local empowerment. In a region that has long battled energy scarcity and underdevelopment, this project stands as a beacon of what is possible when innovation, government support, and community participation align.
By transforming agricultural waste into electricity and clean fuel, the PLTBg and CBG facility not only address local energy needs but also reduce environmental harm, foster economic growth, and open new pathways for education and employment. It demonstrates that Papua is not merely a recipient of development but an active contributor to Indonesia’s sustainable future.
As the rest of Papua—and the nation—looks to replicate this success, the people of South Papua can take pride in leading the charge. With the lights now on longer, brighter, and cleaner, the future of Papua Selatan looks more hopeful than ever—powered by resilience, responsibility, and renewable energy.