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Indonesia faces huge challenges in electricity sector: MKI
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Ongoing construction at PT Cikarang Listrindo’s power plant in West Java (Listrindo/Exclusive)
I
ndonesia faces two huge challenges in addressing sporadic and widespread electricity shortages and in its efforts to increase the electrification ratio through the 35,000 MW mega power plant project.
Indonesian Electrical Society (MKI) secretary-general Heru Dewanto said on Thursday that the first challenge was redefining state-owned power firm PLN's role, whether as an agent of development or profit-oriented corporation.
He also said the government must be able to balance economic development and sustainability in conjunction with the mega power plant program.
"The program definitely needs to be evaluated, how’s progress going, how big is the challenge and how do we realize this project within the remaining time," Heru explained.
From 2011 to 2015, PLN business flourished significantly. Electricity sales increased sharply, from 157 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2011 to over 202 TWh in 2015. Its number of customers increased from 45 million in 2011 to over 61 million in 2015, and the electrification ratio increased from 71.2 percent in 2011 to 88.3 percent in 2015.
Yet, Indonesia continues to suffer sporadic and widespread electricity shortages on account of various reasons. In addition, the country is also facing power quality issues and energy efficiency on the supply and demand side.
