TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo claimed that he feels pity about Indonesia as a nation that fails to distribute electricity to remote areas, amid the fact that the country has abundant resource. "We have coals and gas in almost all provinces, but not electricity. We have to resolve this with the local government," he said.
Jokowi added that the root of such problem is incorrect and inappropriate public policy, as well as bureaucracy. He pointed out that power plant project in South Sumatra has yet earned its clearance although it has been filed for almost six years. "We have plenty of energy, but it is of no use as electricity is often cut off in several regions," he said.
In the next five years, Jokowi said that he is planning to establish power plants in several regions, with a total capacity of 35,000 megawatt. "By the end of January, I will improve permit simplification," he said.
ANGGA SUKMA WIJAYA
