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AKON in town to light up remote regions
American rapper AKON is in Jakarta to help those without access to electricity.
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AKON poses for a photo shoot in Los Angeles. (AP/Cassey Curry)
Akon will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with local foundation Yayasan Dwiyuna Jaya on Wednesday to provide solar energy for Suku Anak Dalam, Orang Rimba and other communities.
The mobile, mostly animist Suku Anak Dalam and Orang Rimba tribes reside in Jambi.
Social Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa, the host of the signing ceremony, said the cooperation is in line with the government's program of accelerating the provision of electricity in remote areas.
"The electricity will be provided for free and the devices will last for 10 years," she said.
The ministry is currently setting up housing and settlements for Indonesian tribes in remote areas.
The renown music artist of Senegalese descent started his AKON Lighting Africa initiative in 2013 and has reached 25 countries before approaching Indonesia.
The signing event at the ministry building on Jl. Salemba Raya, Central Jakarta, will be followed by the artist's mini concert. (ste)
