Dispatched from Istanbul, Turkey, the Gokhan Bey power barge, which can supply up to 125 Megawatts (MW) of electricity, arrived in Kupang on Dec.16. After being officially launched by Jokowi, it is now ready to operate at full capacity.

“The power barge will immediately start operating,” said Hendri Satrio, acting communications adviser of Turkey-based energy provider Karpowership Indonesia, which is operating the floating power plant in a statement, on Thursday.

Karpowership is cooperating with state-owned electricity company PT PLN to distribute the electricity to consumers. The Indonesian government has hired power vessels from Turkey as part of its plan to supply 540 MW of electricity to several regions across the country for five years, starting in 2015.

Gokhan Bey is the second floating power plant to arrive in Indonesia after another Karpowership vessel named Karadeniz Powership Zeynep Sultan, which has a 125-MW capacity. Karadeniz began operating in Amurang, North Sulawesi, in December 2015.

All set -- President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo gives his remarks during the inauguration of integrated cross border post (PLBN) Motaain in Belu regency, East Nusa Tenggara, which borders with Timor Leste, on Wednesday. (JP/Djemi Amnifu)

During his visit, President Jokowi also inaugurated integrated cross-border post (PLBN) Motaain in Belu regency and PLBN Metamasin in Malaka regency, which are both located on the border with Timor Leste.

“Cross-border posts are our pride as a nation. They do not only represent the face of NTT but also our country, Indonesia,” said Jokowi about the Motaain and Metamasin border posts, which have a modern design and are well-equipped.  (ebf)

Djemi Amnifu from Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, contributed to this story.