by Kathleen
Imagine watching an intense series, Squid Game let’s say, but all the sudden ‘boom’ a blackout occurs. Just think about how disappointed and furious you would be. Unfortunately, a blackout like this is not strange to the people of Papua. Around 346 villages located in Papua have literally no access to electricity. As a result, the villages and the people of Papua are hidden under the pitch black night. This becomes a living proof that Indonesia lacks electricity. Clearly, this is also a major problem because electricity is vital in our daily lives. In 2014, it is reported that 20% of Indonesia’s population doesn’t have access to electricity. With around 50 million people having no access, the demand for electricity increases every year. Based on data, there is an 8.5% increase, which is a concerning number as it is above the average. Here’s the dilemma. Indonesia is abundant in its natural resources, specifically in coal and gas. Additionally, Indonesia has a growing economy and the largest one in Southeast Asia. Hence, why is Indonesia experiencing an electricity shortage?
Surprisingly, there have been many plans of constructing more power plants in order to grant access to electricity. However, these plans have been delayed. Two power plants with a maximum capacity of 1,000 MW were supposed to be built in Batang, Central Java. This is also the same case in Indramayu, West Java where the installment of a 1,000 MW power plant has been delayed. For the past year, the construction of around seven power plants have been delayed. All these power plants would be able to supply electricity across Java and Bali, two of Indonesia’s major islands. This is partly because of the corona-virus pandemic. The global health crisis caused many limitations, one of which was restricting laborers from conducting the installment process on site. In depth, power plants are facilities that produce electricity. Usually, multiple generators are used to distribute power to the electricity grid by changing mechanical energy into electrical energy. These generators are powered by fuels. Some of the most common fuels for electricity here in Indonesia are coal, consuming about 130 million ton. Besides coal, some of the power plants are generated by gas and hydropower. Coal is rated as the most unsustainable source as it releases greenhouse gases, provoking climate change and global warming. Still, it is the most used source and contributes to 74% of Indonesia’s total electricity capacity. Hydropower is more ideal as it uses renewable energy, namely, the flow of water. Not only that, but Indonesia’s archipelago that spreads out in numerous islands makes it an additional challenge. With the nature of geography, the population is scattered all over. However, Indonesia has minimal power infrastructure, making it even harder for equal distribution of electricity to all.
Delays and Indonesia’s geography resulted in the country’s lack of electricity. This itself comes with a set of consequences. It hinders the growth and development of the country. Education is truly the foundation of development. It's where people learn, obtain knowledge and innovate. Unfortunately, Indonesia’s limitations of electricity sets back students from getting the education they rightfully have. Let’s start simple and take a look at Papua along the 346 villages without electricity. For them, something like light is such a luxury because it is rare to have light at home. In that case, how could students possibly be doing school work in the dark?
On a broader vision, almost everything now revolves around the existence of technology, even education. Especially amidst the pandemic, everything is online. Unfortunately, not everyone can do that as it requires network connection. To attain network connection, we need electricity. As a result, teachers can’t carry out their teaching activities as efficiently. While for the students, they will be extremely left behind. Technology is essential, yet Indonesia has not been able to evenly distribute electricity to everyone. This only means that students are not completing their education maximally or even not at all, when truly they are Indonesia’s future.
Investing hugely in electricity might be the best option for Indonesia, as it can ensure education for the younger generation and the country’s development. Efforts have been made by the government, whether that is in small or big steps. Just as Jokowi was elected president back in 2014, he stated the ambitious idea of installing an additional 35,000 MW to Indonesia’s generating capacity by the end of 2019. As it is extremely ambitious, things are not going as planned. Yet still, there are some successful approaches to this plan. Because it is such a huge goal, construction of new power plants has accelerated and increased the country's generating capacity. This results in more coverage and equal distribution of electricity for the archipelago. Following up on the Papua case, there has been efforts in reaching 100% of electrification. To carry out this program, the government has arranged to utilize renewable energy to generate power plants.
Alongside that, they have provided APDAL and SPEL. APDAL is a device used to store electrical energy and rely on batteries. SPEL is a charging station that absorbs the sunlight through solar panels. As the SPEL is recharged by using sunlight, that energy will flow to the APDAL for it to be supplied as electricity to the citizens. Thanks to this clever plan, 285 out of 346 villages in Papua have access to electricity that is powered by renewable energy.
To sum up, Indonesia is experiencing an electricity shortage with 20% of the population not having access. Plenty of power plants have been put into plans for construction and would supply power across Jawa to Bali. Sadly, the plan has gone astray due to the condition of the pandemic. Another challenge is Indonesia’s geography in which the population is scattered across 17,000 islands. Nevertheless, the government should resolve all shortcomings in order to achieve development. Development through education is fundamental, thus it is important to provide electricity to ensure student’s education in an all-online world. Accordingly, Jokowi has initiated an overly ambitious plan that wasn’t successful, but made major progress in the country’s generating capacity. All in all, any setbacks in obtaining complete electrification should be further discussed to be able to guarantee the future of Indonesia.
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