Enabling electricity access to rural areas in Indonesia: Challenges and opportunities

Energy is at the core of important issues such as economy, environment, and world development. A developing country like Indonesia needs energy access in order to increase its prosperity. Indonesia successfully surpassed the electrification ratio target at the end of 2018. However, electrifying the remaining 1.7% will be more difficult and costly. This paper provides a better understanding of the challenges of rural electrification program and opportunities to achieve universal electricity access. In this research, a literature review method was used to collect and review relevant studies regarding rural electrification program. Based on this literature review, the characteristics of rural areas such as low population density, low income and low electricity demand were found to be the main challenges. According to these studies, committed governance, supportive regulations and policies, and well-prepared financing can overcome said barriers.