Government Warned Of Serious Shortage In Power Supply

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - A lawmaker urged the government to be more serious in its efforts to cope with shortage in power supply in the country especially in the regions.

Mukhtar Tompo of the Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR) reminded the government of its commitment to built power plants with a total capacity of 35,000 watts until 2019.

"There has been no statement from the government that the program could be carried out," Mukhtar said here on Thursday  expressing doubt that the target could be reached.

He said the president should discuss the program thoroughly  with relevant agencies the Energy and Mineral Resource Ministry, and the National Power Utility PLN and don't rush to launch a program.    
   
He said the president hardly touched on the program  in his speeches both at the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and when presenting the financial not and the draft 2017 state budget at the DPR on Wednesday.

He said the president could push for the implementation of the program more seriously, adding the program would benefit isolated areas in the regions.

In addition, the program of "Indonesia bright" aimed at providing electricity for thousands of villages , has not been effectively  implemented, he said.

Implementation of the program is still far from expectation in isolated areas in the regions, he said.

He cited in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) there are still many villages without electricity. (WDY)