Biomass use in power plants bolsters village economies: Minister
Serang, Banten (ANTARA) - Minister of Villages and Disadvantaged Regions Development Yandri Susanto stated that state-owned electricity firm PT PLN’s use of agricultural and industrial waste as biomass for power generation will significantly drive rural economic growth.
According to Susanto, PLN’s biomass co-firing program in coal-fired power plants serves as concrete proof of the government's commitment to fostering economic equity across rural communities.
"The utilization of village-sourced biomass demonstrates the state's presence in delivering tangible economic drivers to rural areas," Susanto said on Saturday (October 31).
He affirmed that his ministry fully supports the state utility's initiative to source biomass directly from village communities.
The program, he noted, aligns with the sixth priority agenda of President Prabowo Subianto’s eight-point mission, known as Asta Cita, which focuses on building Indonesia from the grassroots and village level to achieve economic equity and eradicate poverty.
Susanto explained that organic waste previously deemed valueless - such as sawdust, rice straw, and coconut shells - now has a guaranteed market and stable pricing through partnerships with PLN.
This guaranteed offtake is expected to generate a positive multiplier effect for rural households by creating new jobs and increasing incomes.
"This means sustainable economic activity is taking place, residents are employed, earn an income, and the surrounding environment becomes cleaner. In short, it creates broad positive spillover effects," he said.
Furthermore, Susanto highlighted that the adoption of waste-to-energy technologies improves living standards while reinforcing social cohesion in rural areas.
"It is not merely about financial gains, but about making village life cleaner, more cohesive, and better. With appropriate technology and new revenue streams, the welfare of village residents will naturally improve," he concluded.
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Translator: Azmi Ma'arif, Uyu Liman
Editor: Primayanti
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