PALMOILMAGAZINE, PEKANBARU – PT PLN (Persero) Unit Induk Distribusi (UID) Riau and Kepulauan Riau, through its Unit Pelaksana Pelayanan Pelanggan (UP3) Rengat, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Electricity Supply with several companies in the North Indragiri Hilir Cluster.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Swiss-Belinn SKA Hotel Meeting Room in Pekanbaru. It involved several prominent companies, including PT Tabungan Haji Indo Plantation, PT Riau Sakti United Plantation, PT Bhumireksa Nusa Sejati, PT Sambu Guntung, PT Riau Sakti Trans Mandiri, PT Guntung Hasrat Makmur, and PT Sumatera Timur Indonesia.
This strategic initiative demonstrates PLN’s tangible support for the growth of the palm oil plantation sector in Indragiri Hilir (Inhil) Regency, Riau. Acting Regent of Inhil, H. Erisman Yahya, MH, expressed his appreciation for PLN’s commitment to regional development.
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“Insya Allah, the government is ready to support PLN in realizing electricity provision for the people and industries in Inhil,” Erisman stated, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Riaudetil. He also highlighted the region’s vast potential, from coconut plantations to palm oil, which is expected to grow further with adequate electrical infrastructure.
Tonny Bellamy, General Manager of PLN UID Riau and Kepulauan Riau, emphasized that this MoU marks a significant milestone in ensuring the electricity needs of the North Indragiri Hilir Cluster are met.
“With a power capacity of up to 62.3 MVA, we are confident in supporting increased productivity in the palm oil plantation sector in Indragiri Hilir. This initiative reflects the synergy between PLN, the local government, and industry players to drive sustainable economic growth,” Tonny explained.
He added that reliable electricity supply is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the palm oil industry, open new investment opportunities, boost production capacity, and create local job opportunities.
Khaidiri Sitorus, Regional Head of PT Tabungan Haji Indo Plantation (THIP), expressed his delight at PLN’s long-awaited electricity supply.
“Until now, we have relied on diesel-powered generators, which come with high operational costs and frequent fuel supply disruptions. PLN’s electricity will provide a more economical and reliable solution for our operations,” Khaidiri stated.
With this MoU, PLN is expected to expedite the provision of electricity to meet the operational needs of companies in the area. This collaboration is anticipated to be a promising first step in unlocking the vast potential of Indragiri Hilir’s plantation sector. (P2)