Harnessing Solar Energy, Coffee Farmers Earn Millions

Tanggamus, December 2, 2024 – Sukamaju Village in Ulubelu District has added Pertamina's Desa Energi Berdikari (DEB/Independent Energy Villages) list. A 4.4 kWp Solar Power Plant (PLTS) has been installed to support coffee farmers in the village. The program’s symbolic handover, along with the education on utilizing the PLTS, took place on Thursday (28/11). The event was attended by representatives from Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE), PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk. (PGE) Ulubelu Area, and local community leaders.  

"Through Pertamina’s DEB program, we hope to inspire other regions to optimize their local resources and foster strategic collaborations for economic and energy independence," said Dicky Septriadi, the Corporate Secretary of Pertamina NRE.  

The PLTS provides electricity for coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging activities. By using the 4.4 kWp PLTS and a 5 kWh battery, electricity costs have been significantly reduced, adding value for the farmers. Kukuh Diki Prasetyo, a representative of the farmer group, shared this benefit.  

“We save up to IDR 700,000 per month with the PLTS, which helps lower production costs and optimize the group’s profits,” he explained.  

The coffee farmer groups in Sukamaju Village are grateful for the support from Pertamina NRE. They noted that the assistance not only eases economic burdens but also raises awareness about environmentally friendly energy’s importance. The education provided has helped the community understand renewable energy’s positive impact.  

The DEB program aligns with Pertamina NRE's mandate to support the national energy transition. Dicky added, “This initiative demonstrates Pertamina NRE’s strong commitment to achieving the Net Zero Emission target by 2060. The DEB program is a concrete step in accelerating the transition to renewable energy at the community level.”  

By combining technological innovation and community empowerment, Pertamina NRE shows that clean energy can be a sustainable solution. This program is tangible proof that strong collaboration can generate economic, social, and environmental benefits. The Ulubelu community has now become a model for other regions in independently utilizing renewable energy.  

The Vice President of Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Fadjar Djoko Santoso, emphasized that as part of its commitment to sustainable business practices, the Pertamina Group strives to benefit the community. In this case, the DEB program represents one of Pertamina’s roles in empowering rural economies through energy transition initiatives. Energy transition also serves as Pertamina’s step toward environmental preservation and decarbonization in the region.  

“DEB is Pertamina’s empowerment model for building village-based energy self-sufficiency with the community at the backbone,” said Fadjar.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**