North Sumatra Prepares Electricity Network and PLTS to Reach Remote Villages

MEDAN, LINE BUMI, GARISBUMI.com – Expanding the distribution network and building solar power plants (PLTS) is a strategy to reach people who do not yet enjoy electricity in remote areas of North Sumatra. Even though the province's electrification ratio has reached 99.86%, access, land and licensing barriers still need to be resolved to complete electricity services.

The North Sumatra Provincial Government together with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and PT PLN (Persero) North Sumatra Main Distribution Unit (UID) discussed these steps in a Rural Electricity Program Synchronization Meeting (Lisdes) at the North Sumatra PLN UID Office, Jalan Yos Sudarso, Medan, Wednesday (7/10/2026).

The two-day activity involved representatives of 33 districts/cities as well as related agencies, including the Forestry Service, Environmental Service, and ATR/BPN. The discussion focused on location proposals, land preparation, and completion of permits for electricity infrastructure development.

PLTS Becomes Part of Rural Electricity Strategy

Director of Electricity Development at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Andriah Feby Misna, said that completing electricity access in remote areas remains a priority to support the target of an electrification ratio of 100% by 2029.

"For 2026, there are 106 Lisdes network locations in North Sumatra spread across 23 districts/cities. Around 44% or 47 of them are in the Nias Islands and Mandailing Natal areas. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is implementing three main strategies, namely expanding the distribution network (grid), building Communal PLTS and Individual PLTS," said Feby.

With this strategy, expanding access to electricity includes building a distribution network as well as utilizing solar energy through communal and individual PLTS.

Feby asked the local government to support the provision of road access, ensure clarity of location coordinate data, and facilitate the completion of forest area utilization permits.

Socialization of network rights of way (ROW) to the community is also needed so that development is not hampered by land use and compensation issues.

Nias and Mandailing Christmas are Priority

Acting Regional Secretary for East Sumatra Province, Tumanggor, revealed that the North Sumatra ESDM Service had received 117 proposed locations for the Lisdes program.

Of the total proposals, 47 locations are in five priority districts, namely Nias, North Nias, West Nias, South Nias and Mandailing Natal.

Timur asked all parties to take advantage of technical assistance sessions or coaching clinics in this activity to resolve licensing obstacles. This step is expected to support the realization of electricity flow to the proposed location in 2027.

"Regardless of the obstacles, barriers and barriers that exist, whether due to difficult locations, protected forest areas, or conservation areas, do not let administrative problems hinder the flow of electricity to our hamlets. This is our moral responsibility and main duty as community servants," emphasized Timur.

According to him, access to electricity has an important role in driving the economy, supporting education and improving community welfare.

PLN Emphasizes Benefits for Citizens

General Manager of PLN UID North Sumatra, Rizky Mochamad, stated that PLN is ready to carry out Lisdes infrastructure development. However, certainty of permits and access to the location is needed so that the work runs smoothly.

"The measure of the success of a village electricity program is not just how many poles and networks are built, but how many people can finally enjoy electricity and feel the real benefits," said Rizky.

He emphasized the need for local government support in land facilitation, completing permits, and coordinating with the community at the development site.

"We need synergy and regional government support for land facilitation, licensing and social coordination," he said.