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NRE Development in West Papua Should Consider Local Wisdom
WINDONESIA September 11, 2024
DEN member Musri Mawaleda meeting the media in Manokwari Regency, West Papua on Aug. 7, 2024. (Antara/Fransiskus Salu Weking)
National Energy Council (DEN) member Musri Mawaleda said that the preparation of a work program for the development of renewable energy (renewables) in West Papua Province must be adjusted to the needs of the local community.
Musri Mawaleda stated in Manokwari Regency, West Papua on Aug. 7, 2024, said that policymaking on the matter should take into account local wisdom so that indigenous peoples also feel the benefits of developing a renewables mix in line with sustainable development goals.
"The development of renewables, especially primary energy, needs to look at two sides, namely supply and demand," he noted.
Musri suggested that the relevant regional government formulate a constructive and effective framework in implementing West Papua Province Regional Regulation Number 2 of 2024 on the Regional Energy General Plan (RUED) properly.
The policy aimed for the transformation of the renewables mix to be carried out evenly across the urban to rural areas of West Papua's seven regencies.
"For example, have [the need] of all regions for electrical energy been met or not. It must be observed holistically," he said.
Musri added that the geographical conditions in Papua as a whole is very suited for the development of new and renewable energy (NRE) due to its wealth of natural resources, thus it could overcome the problem of inequality in access to energy.
The use of NEW is also a solution to the high cost of investment in building electricity networks, and the distribution of fuel to rural areas located in the mountains or remote hinterland regions.
"If the government can develop NRE in villages that, let's say, have a limited population, then it is very good. Said NRE cannot be sold outside the region," he explained.
He considered West Papua to have the potential to develop biofuel energy, but the local government must first educate and improve the ability of local communities to produce biofuel from sugar palm trees. Biofuel is a renewable energy that is not only environmentally friendly, but also relevant to West Papua's sustainable development goals.
"Biofuel production can be carried out independently by the local community. If that is realized, then the local community will not be dependent on fossil fuels," he said.
Source: papuabarat.antaranews.com