TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The residents of Riau Islands' Natuna Regency can now enjoy 24 hours of electricity. State power company has started operating 16 diesel power plants with a total capacity of 8,000 kilowatts (kW) in the area.
The power generators, each capable of producing 500 kW, are installed in six locations; Laut Island, Serasan Island, Midai Island, Island, Subi Island, Legong Island, and the Klarik Electricity System in North Bunguran sub-district at Natuna Besar Island.
Read: PLN Accelerates Electrification Program in Natuna
In the past, power generators in Laut Island, Serasan Island, Midai Island, Subi Island, and Legong Island only operated 14 hours per day.
The operations of the 16 diesel plants are expected to attract investors and improve locals' welfare, as well as enhancing security and defense.
"As well as educating people living on islands that border with China, Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia," PLN Regional Business Director Wiluyo Kusdwiharto said in an official statement on Wednesday, May 30.
Read: Jokowi Asks PLN to Accelerate Electrification in East Indonesia
PLN is also developing infrastructure projects in the area, which takes form in 20-kilovolt (kV) network, low-voltage network, and distribution transformers to deliver electricity to eleven new villages and two old villages.
Today, Natuna villages have an electrification ratio of 90 percent, or 69 out of 76 villages. By 2019, Natunas entire area is expected to get power supplies.
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