Thousands of Villages Still Without Electricity, Minister Bahlil Prepares Rp 10 Trillion Budget

Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, is spearheading an initiative to bring electricity to thousands of villages and hamlets that remain unconnected to the national grid. For 2026, the government plans to allocate approximately Rp 10.3 trillion to expedite the provision of electricity in these underserved regions.

Bahlil highlighted that around 5,700 villages and 4,400 hamlets still lack electricity access, underscoring the ongoing need for equitable development. He stated that the government must be present to serve all its citizens, emphasizing that electricity is a basic infrastructure essential for education, healthcare, and economic activities.

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The idea for this equalization program emerged when I discussed it with the President. I said that there are still thousands of villages and hamlets without electricity. The state must be present to serve all the people.

The minister shared his personal connection to the issue, having grown up in a village without electricity. He understands the challenges faced by communities lacking digital access, which hinders educational and informational opportunities. "I am a former village child born without electricity, so I know their sadness," Bahlil said, stressing the importance of providing digital access for children's education and learning.

In 2025, the government successfully provided electricity to 1,361 locations, supported by a budget of Rp 3.6 trillion. The increased budget for 2026 reflects a commitment to accelerating electrification efforts. Bahlil noted that extending power lines to remote areas is often not commercially viable for private companies, as the investment for serving a few dozen families can be hundreds of millions of rupiah. However, he asserted that the government's role is to serve the people, not solely to pursue profit.

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I am a former village child born without electricity, so I know their sadness. How can people study to be smart, how can they access information quickly, how can elementary school children study well if there is no access to digitalization. This is basic infrastructure that we must build.