VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The government will install 1.2 million new power connections free for the poor in 2019, according to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan.

"There is a plan that the government would contribute some Rp6 trillion to install free power connections this year. The number is some 1.2 million connections, particularly for the poor," Jonan stated in Jakarta, Monday.

With the support of other sources, including the State Budget of the ministry and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from state enterprises, the number of new power connections might increase, he added.  With funds from the ministry, there will be additional 100 thousand to 150 thousand connections, he noted.

Jonan stated that State Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno had also agreed to channel CSR funds from PLN, Bulog, Jamkrindo, Pegadaian, Semen Indonesia, Dahana, Perhutani, BRI, Pindad, Telkom, Telkomsel, BNI, Airnav, Askrindo, Waskita, PTPN III Holding (PTPN VIII), Jasa Marga, Jasa Raharja, Jasindo, Biofarma, KAI, Hutama Karya, Telkomsel, Pertamina, Mandiri, Angkasa Pura 2, Pelindo 2, BTN, PIHC, WIKA, PP, PGN, Antam, Taspen, ASDP, and POS, among other things.

He explained that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had instructed to provide new power connections for the poor in certain regions of the country.

"The thinking is not loss and profits, but better equitable development," he pointed out.

The government has set a target of achieving 99.9 percent electricity coverage in 2019, he remarked.

"I am optimistic that it will be achieved," Jonan added. (ant)