TEMPO.CO, Jakarta- State electricity company PLN declared as many as 13 villages in Natuna Regency, Riau islands have been electrified along May this year. Business Regional Director of PLN Sumatra, Wiluyo Kusdwiharto, said the aim was to support the integrated fishery activities as well as land area preservation in Natuna.

“The locals who work as fishermen could efficiently manage their catch. The land preservation also could be more optimal,” said Wiluyo in his written explanation on Wednesday, May 30. He also hoped the public service in Natuna, especially health and education, will be better.

Besides, PLN could improve the electricity availability up to 24 hours in six regions of Natuna. Wiluyo mentioned the investment value for electrified was around 23 billion rupiah. According to him, provision and improvement of electricity availability in Natuna was a part of the program to reach one-hundred percent ratio of electrified villages in 2019.

The thirteen villages that have been electrified were Pulau Tiga/Sabang Village, Mawang, Tanjung Kumbik Utara Village, Setumuk Vilage, Selading Vilage, Sabang Mawang Barat Village, Tanjung Batang Village, Kadur Vilage, Tanjung Pala Vilage, Meliah Village, Terayak Village, Meliah Selatan Village, Subi Besar Village and Subi Timur Village.

Meanwhile, six regions in Natuna whose electricity availability upgraded to 24 hours were Laut Island, Serasa Island, Midai Island, Subi Island, Tiga Island, and clamp electric system in northern Bunguran district in Natuna Besar Island.

“I hope the electricity infrastructure in Natuna could accelerate the government's ongoing programs,” said he.

Until May 2018, the ratio of electrified villages in Natuna has reached 90 percent; with the accumulation of electrified villages were 69 of 76 villages.

Overall, the ration in Riau Islands has reached 80.77 percent where the total of 366 from 416 villages have been electrified. PLN plans the rest 80 villages will be soon electrified along 2018-2019.

Adam Prireza