PT PLN (Persero), an Indonesian government-owned corporation that generates the majority of the country’s electrical power, continues to demonstrate its commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector in Indonesia. Through its electrifying agriculture (EA) program, PLN aims to provide reliable and accessible electricity, empowering agricultural businesses across the nation.

Empowering Shrimp Farming

In a recent development, PLN successfully collaborated with the shrimp farming company PT Wahana Lestari Investama (WLI), providing them with 1,110 kiloVolt Ampere of electricity. This partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing the operational efficiency of WLI’s shrimp farming endeavors.

The implementation of PLN’s superior electricity program has yielded remarkable results for WLI. By transitioning from fuel oil to PLN electricity, WLI has witnessed an 86 percent reduction in daily operational costs, translating to approximately IDR 123 million (USD 7,760) per day.

A Dramatic Cost Reduction

Previously, WLI relied on fuel oil for its operations, incurring substantial daily operational expenses amounting to IDR 140 million (USD 8,850). However, with the adoption of PLN electricity, coupled with a daily requirement of approximately 18,000 kilowatt-hours, WLI’s operational costs plummeted to just IDR 18 million (USD 1,135) per day.

“We are greatly helped by the presence of PLN electricity. We can save fuel costs of up to approximately IDR 123 million (USD 7,760) per day. This certainly provides benefits for us so that we can obtain cost efficiency,” remarked PT WLI General Manager Ong You Gie.

A Vision for Synergy

Ong You Gie expressed optimism about the collaboration with PLN, envisioning it as the first step towards fostering greater synergy. He hopes that more industries will follow suit and transition to electricity, further strengthening the partnership with PLN.

Darmawan Prasodjo, President Director of PLN, emphasized that the EA program underscores PLN’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural and fisheries sectors in Indonesia. By leveraging electricity-based agricultural technology, PLN aims to enhance productivity and income for farmers compared to traditional methods involving generators or diesel.

Supporting Economic Growth

Awat Tuhuloula, General Manager of PLN Main Unit for Maluku and North Maluku Region, highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of PLN’s reliable electricity supply. Beyond enhancing the operations of PT WLI, it is expected to generate employment opportunities and uplift the local economy, thereby benefiting the wider community.

Awat reaffirmed PLN’s steadfast commitment to providing quality electricity services for the industrial sector in Maluku and North Maluku. He underscored PLN’s alignment with the government’s vision to spur economic growth and development in the region.