House Appreciates the Speed in Selecting Electricity Aid Recipients

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) pushes to accelerate the implementation of the New Electricity Connection Assistance (BPBL) program while ensuring target accuracy for beneficiaries. This acceleration effort became a focal point during the discussion of the Ministry's 2027 Fiscal Year budget with Commission XII of the DPR RI in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

During the working meeting, members of Commission XII DPR RI expressed appreciation for the execution of the BPBL, particularly the government's step to expedite the determination of beneficiaries without having to completely wait for the decile data adjustment process. Ratna Juwita Sari, a member of Commission XII DPR RI, requested that the increased BPBL target in 2027 not be hindered by the implementation of decile data that is not yet fully ready.

"This decile implementation is scheduled for next year, right. Because the process is long. This deals with the rights of people who should be receiving it, yet they end up delayed," Ratna said during the meeting, as quoted from a ministry press release.

Responding to this, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia, explained that the government still pays attention to data aspects when determining electricity assistance recipients. However, expediting public services is also a priority so that basic needs, such as access to electricity, are not delayed.

"The decile data is important, but let's not wait for the decile process before people get their lights turned on," Bahlil stated.

The Minister of ESDM stated that the BPBL program in 2027 is planned to increase to 400,000 target households. To support the implementation of the program, he sought the support of Commission XII DPR RI in helping identify communities in need of electricity access so that the distribution of assistance can run more effectively.

In the Ministry of ESDM's proposed 2027 budget, the BPBL is allocated for 400,000 households with a budget value of approximately Rp949 billion or US$53.50 million. This program serves as part of the energy infrastructure development agenda to expand public access to electricity.

In addition to the BPBL, the government has also allocated a budget for rural electricity infrastructure development across 1,250 locations valued at approximately Rp9.31 trillion or US$524.06 million as part of strategic energy infrastructure programs. The Minister of ESDM noted that there are still 10,068 villages and hamlets requiring attention under the electrification program.