Solar Panel Electricity Enlightens Landak

One of WVI's assisted villages in Landak Regency, West Kalimantan is not yet covered by the State Electricity Company (PLN). In 2021, one of the hamlets in the village has installed solar panels from the "Menghadirkan Terang" program. Currently, the need for electricity is also needed by people in two other hamlets. People in these two hamlets also hope to be able to move more easily at night by using solar panel electricity.   

Without electricity, children are unable to study optimally at night. It is hoped that with the fulfillment of adequate lighting in these two hamlets, children can carry out learning activities as they should.  

In 2023, through the Terangi Landak program, WVI in collaboration with Talu Investama succeeded in distributing 82 sets of solar panels to the communities in the two hamlets. There were 73 solar panels installed, one set for each household, and 9 sets of solar panels installed in public facilities such as schools and churches. This program significantly impacted 341 men, 303 women, 233 boys and 220 girls.   

The criteria for beneficiaries in this program are families who do not have access to electricity and are classified as economically disadvantaged families. These criteria were agreed upon between the community, village government, and WVI.   

The solar panel electricity program has had a major impact on the hamlet community.  School children can access lighting to study at night.  Families can also save money on fuel oil purchases for those who use diesel power or generators.  "It can be seen that the children are more enthusiastic about learning.  When there is group work that they have to complete at home, they can work on it together in the afternoon," explained Mrs. Amui, one of the community members who received solar panels in the hamlet.

Writer: Tim Kantor Operasional WVI area Landak

Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)