Jayawijaya – After years of relying on rudimentary lighting, the people of Taelarek District, Jayawijaya Regency, are now starting to enjoy electricity access provided by PT PLN (Persero). The presence of the electricity network is an important milestone in the equal distribution of energy access in the mountainous region of Papua as well as opening up opportunities to improve public services and public welfare.
The first power off was carried out in a number of public service facilities, including the Public Health Center (Puskesmas) and the Taelarek District Office. The presence of electricity in the area which is about two hours away from Wamena City is a real step in supporting equitable development and realizing energy justice for people in remote areas.
Manager of Communication and Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) PLN Regional Parent Unit (UIW) of Papua and West Papua, Irfan Djabar, said that the electricity is an answer to the expectations of the community who have been craving for reliable energy access.
According to him, electricity not only provides lighting, but also improves the quality of public services, especially in the health and government sectors. With the availability of electricity supply, services at the Public Health Center can run more optimally, while government administrative activities at the District Office can be carried out more effectively, including at night.
“The presence of electricity in Taelarek is proof of PLN’s commitment in providing fair energy to remote areas of Papua. We hope that this electricity is able to provide real benefits for the community, both in improving public services and supporting social and economic activities,” said Irfan.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Jayawijaya, Atenius Murib, welcomed the presence of electrical services in Taelarek District. According to him, electricity is a basic need that will bring great changes to people’s lives.
He explained that with adequate lighting, children now have the opportunity to study at night more comfortably. In addition, the presence of electricity is believed to encourage the growth of various productive economic activities, ranging from small businesses to the development of the service sector which was previously constrained by limited access to energy.
“Electricity will have a wide impact on the community. In addition to helping lighting, the presence of electricity will increase economic activity through the emergence of various new business opportunities that can ultimately improve the welfare of the community,” said Atenius.
The Jayawijaya Regency Government hopes that the presence of electricity in Taelarek District will be the beginning of the acceleration of development in the Papuan mountainous region. With the increasingly open access to energy, the community is expected to enjoy better public services, improve the quality of education, and strengthen the local economy sustainably.
The presence of electricity in Taelarek District is proof that development is not only measured from physical development alone, but also from the fulfillment of the basic needs of the community. Through equal distribution of energy access, the government together with PLN continues to strive to bring development benefits to areas that have been difficult to reach, so that all communities have the same opportunity to develop and improve their quality of life.
