JAYAPURA — The Papua Provincial Government is stepping up efforts to expand electricity access by updating and reconciling data on 133 villages that have yet to receive electricity services. The initiative is intended to support the implementation of the Rural Electrification Program (Lisdes) for the 2026–2029 period and ensure that infrastructure development is planned more effectively.
Papua Provincial Acting Regional Secretary Christian Sohilait said accurate data is essential for determining priority areas for electricity network development. Through data synchronization, the government aims to ensure that proposed projects reflect actual conditions in the field and address the needs of local communities.
Data as of September 2026 showed that, out of 999 villages across eight regencies and one city in Papua Province, 866 had access to electricity, while the remaining 133 still required electricity infrastructure.
The largest number of villages without electricity was recorded in Kepulauan Yapen Regency, with 42 villages, followed by Mamberamo Raya Regency with 36 villages. Sarmi Regency had 17 villages without electricity, Keerom Regency had 15, Waropen Regency had 14, and Jayapura Regency had nine. Meanwhile, Biak Numfor Regency, Supiori Regency, and Jayapura City had achieved electricity coverage across all their villages.
The provincial government is also addressing several requirements that must be met before construction can begin. These include land availability, permit completion, and the resolution of technical obstacles that could delay project implementation, particularly in forest areas and locations designated for communal solar power plants.
To accelerate implementation, the Papua Provincial Government is encouraging closer coordination with the central government, regency and city administrations, state-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero), and other relevant agencies. This cooperation is expected to align development plans and clarify the responsibilities of each stakeholder in extending electricity services to underserved communities.
The data verification and coordination efforts form part of the government’s broader strategy to improve electricity coverage, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure remains limited. With more accurate data and planning based on conditions on the ground, electricity development is expected to reach more communities and support social activities and local economic growth in villages that remain without access to reliable electricity.
