KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesian Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung said on Thursday, October 30, 2025, that the newly operational Wairara Micro-Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, is expanding access to clean energy and driving new local economic opportunities.

“Access to clean energy is not only about light, it opens up new economic possibilities,” he said from Jakarta on Thursday, October 30, 2025, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Yuliot said the Wairara micro-hydro plant is helping boost local productivity, enabling activities such as ikat weaving, home-based production, and night classes for students, which were previously limited by lack of electricity.

“Wairara has become the first village in this region truly free from darkness,” he added.

The 128-kilowatt Wairara PLTMH, powered by the Pakuhuay River, now supplies electricity to 105 connections, including households, schools, health clinics, subdistrict and village offices, and houses of worship.

Before the project, the area relied heavily on diesel power, consuming about 62,000 liters of fuel per year. With the switch to micro-hydro energy, electricity production costs have dropped to around USD 0.03 per kWh, significantly easing financial burdens on both the local government and residents.

“Geographically, using diesel was costly, one liter could reach about IDR 20,000 by the time it arrived. With micro-hydro, we no longer need fuel and can ensure 24-hour electricity based on community needs,” he explained.

The Wairara PLTMH is managed by a Village-Owned Bussiness Entity (BUMDes), which he said strengthens local capacity and ensures the project’s long-term sustainability.

“With BUMDes managing the plant, maintenance and operations can run effectively,” he concluded. ***