TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the National Alms Agency (Baznas) are building micro-hydropower plants in Jambi. Baznas’ contribution is aimed at distributing alms to infrastructure projects, particularly the energy sector.
UNDP Technical Working Group Coordinator staffer Hery Simanjuntak said that the construction of micro-hydropower plants by Baznas is the first of its kind in Indonesia. UNDP has agreed on a letter of intent on the project with Jambi Governor Zumi Zola two days ago. The aim is to carry out sustainable development goals.
“There are four micro-hydropower plant projects in two districts: Merangin and Sarolangun,” Hery said yesterday in Jakarta. Two are new projects and the other two are the revitalization of the existing infrastructure.
Hery said that Baznas invested US$350,000 (Rp4.5 billion) in the projects. The funds will be disbursed this year. The micro-hydropower plants are expected to supply power to 8,000 people in both Merangin and Sarolangun. “We are aiming to complete the construction of the power plants by mid-2018,” he said.
He said that the two regions in Jambi have been selected due to their lack of electricity.
Hery said that the National Alms Agency (Baznas) distribution of alms to develop micro-hydropower plant is the first in the world. The project is aimed at making use of new renewable energy to address poverty and improve welfare.
IMAM HAMDI
