6 days ago
Independent Electricity with Micro Hydro Power Plant
Residents of Kamanggi village in Sumba, NTT solved the problem of lack of electricity from the country by establishing a Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) that utilizes the river flowing in the village. Umbu Hinggu Panjanji is a member of the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) of East Sumba district, as well as the chairman of the cooperative that manages the PLTMH in Kamanggih village in the district. The PLTMH was chosen, as Kamangjik village has the potential of rivers flowing all year round, as a source of generating power such as the Mbapungawu River in that village. In addition, from the beginning it must be ensured that there is an organization that manages the PLTMH.
The effort is supported by Hivos, a Community Self-Help Institution (NGO) with a global vision that has its headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. In addition, an institution in Bandung called IBEKA (Business and Economic Initiative of Population) also plays a role.
In its official description, IBEKA is a social business entity that relies on diligence. Blending technology adapted to social awareness, to empower rural communities and marginal groups in urban areas.
IBEKA believes that electricity is the backbone of economic development. IBEKA uses renewable energy as an entryway to empower target groups and create added value on the potential of local resources.
Umbu Hinggu Panjanji Credit: Umbu Hinggu Panjanji However, not all electricity shortage problems have to be solved with PLTMH. In areas that do not have sufficient river flow potensin, this solution does not apply. There are many villages developed by the PLTMH by the government, but after a few years it is no longer operational due to various reasons. It could be due to an insurmountable malfunction of the machine, or even there is no organization of villagers to manage it in a dignified manner.
In the beginning it was also necessary to train local residents, one of which was to set up the operator of the plant itself. There are no special requirements for an operator of this small power plant emphatically Umbu.
Micro hydro power plant that utilises river flow for electricity independence in rural Sumba, NTT. Credit: Umbu Hinggu Panjanji The key to successful management is transparency in calculating its operational costs, including the required components. Currently, one PLTMH in Kamanggih already serves over 200 heads of families. The other power plant, which is rather large, is already capable of serving 300 homes and will continue to grow to 400 homes this year. From this contribution fund, Kamangghi PLTMH can cover all operational costs, including if there is an engine failure.
The challenge is to make people aware that the dues they pay are an important factor in the sustainability of PLTMH.
Generator machine equipment at the PLTMH in Kamanggih village, East Sumba. Credit: Umbu Hinggu Panjanji Many regions have the potential as well as challenges to cope with electricity needs independently. Umbu, who is also a member of parliament in East Sumba, gave an example, that regions should actually have the courage to adopt policies to fund villages that do not have electricity. Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3pm.
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