Photo: Since August last year, power lines have run through Riam Village in West Kotawaringin. Uninterrupted electricity supply is now possible thanks to a road built by Korintiga Hutani and its consortium partners.
WEST KOTAWARINGIN – After years of relying on diesel generators and solar energy, people in Riam Village, North Arut Subdistrict, West Kotawaringin can now benefit from a steadier supply of electricity. It’s all thanks to a grid Perusahaan Listrik Negara (or PLN, Indonesia’s state electricity provider) installed in 2024.
This feat is possible with the help of Riam-based firms, which cleared — or rather, built — the way for construction. United under a consortium formed by the regency government, they sought to connect the isolated community with the wider world.
Part of this alliance is Korintiga Hutani (KTH), which took charge of the section that stretched from Riam to Panahan Village.
“We’ve finished a 9.2 kilometer roadwork that will be the access to where the power poles are. Without this, there’s no way for PLN to actually come in because first, the poles shouldn’t be in company premises, and [second,] they have to be on state roads. So we’re working together with other companies to make that possible, to build a road that serves both local mobility and power grid construction,” said Erwansyah Ardi, Korintiga Hutani’s PR and forest community empowerment manager.
The entire project took about four years to complete, from 2017 to 2020. Ardi credited geographical conditions for the lengthy process. “When it rained, we couldn’t do anything.”
Numerous lives have changed since the power lines came in. What was a luxury is now indispensable; no longer do people struggle to run appliances or operate a business. All is possible with the new facilities.
Photo: Riam Village government lauds the good synergy it has with Korintiga Hutani and other companies
”For years, we had limited access to electricity, but not anymore. [The power grid] has helped our finances tremendously. We can [properly] use the washing machine, [so] no need for hands [and worrying the machines will be idled due to blackouts]. Same goes for cooking,” said Riam Village leader Dedy Simson Tambun at our interview.
Electricity means more than just lighting in this area, where its presence brings comfort, efficiency, and a new hope.
It’s the reason why the village government praised Korintiga Hutani and other companies, whose synergy has elevated the community and whose programs have met their needs. (PR)