Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has inaugurated the operation of two mini-hydro power plants (PLTMH) in eastern Indonesia − the Wairara PLTMH in East Sumba, East Nusa Tengara with a capacity of 128 kilowatts (kW) and the Anggi PLTMH in Arfak Mountains, West Papua with 150 kW of capacity. 

On the same occasion, Bahlil also led the groundbreaking ceremony for Anggi PLTMH Phase II, which will have an additional capacity of 2 x 250 kW.

“The Anggi PLTMH currently powers 1,500 households, and with today’s groundbreaking for Phase II, it will soon supply electricity to 2,700 customers,” Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the ESDM Ministry, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said during the inauguration ceremony in Arfak Mountains, West Papua, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The new facilities enable local residents to enjoy 24-hour electricity, compared to only six hours previously when they relied on diesel generators. They have also significantly reduced fuel consumption among locals.

“We estimate that fuel cost savings reach Rp6.7 billion per year (US$402,000),” Eniya said.

Although officially inaugurated this week, the Anggi PLTMH has been operational since March 2023. Over the past 2.5 years, it has generated Rp17 billion in diesel savings for the local power system.

The Anggi plant is managed under an Operation Handover Agreement between the Arfak Mountains Regency Administration and the State electricity company PT PLN’s Papua and West Papua Office. This governance model is expected to strengthen local energy independence and ensure sustainable management of energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Wairara PLTMH, operational since November 2022, serves 105 customers, including health facilities (Mahu Health Center), educational institutions (Wairara Elementary and Junior High Schools), social facilities (churches), and government buildings (district and village offices).

Before the hydropower plant was built, residents depended on diesel generators consuming 0.35–0.4 liters per kWh, resulting in high operational costs. With the Wairara PLTMH, electricity costs for residents have dropped to 3-6 US cents per kWh, while diesel consumption has been reduced by 62,000 liters per year, saving around Rp1.24 billion (US$74,000) annually.