Tasikmalaya, Indonesia (dmtNews) – PT PLN (Persero), through its subholding PLN Energi Primer Indonesia, has successfully developed a community-based biomass ecosystem that is gaining government support and empowering local communities. After successful implementations in Cilacap and Gunung Kidul, PLN extended the program to Tasikmalaya, West Java, on Thursday (September 26).
The Acting Regent of Tasikmalaya, Yedi Rahmat, expressed his optimism about the program, stating that it would drive regional progress, especially in the agricultural sector, which serves as the foundation of the local economy.
“This program provides exceptional support for our region. Today’s initiative is a strategic step and a momentum for Tasikmalaya to harness local resources,” Yedi remarked during the inauguration of the Community-Based Biomass Ecosystem and Integrated Agriculture Development Program held in Tasikmalaya on Thursday (September 26).
Yedi also noted that the program aligns with environmental conservation efforts by transforming degraded lands into greener, more productive areas.
“This initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to promote a people-centered economy, enhance farmers’ welfare, and protect the environment through sustainable biomass utilization,” Yedi added.
Supporting Yedi’s remarks, Rismayadi (40), a member of the Farmers Group Jaga Lembur Tani Makmur, shared his firsthand experience with the program. By cultivating indigofera plants, previously barren and dry lands have become fertile, as the plants help retain moisture. In addition, the plant’s leaves are used as livestock feed, while its branches are sold to PLN as biomass fuel for co-firing energy production.
“The land here used to be arid and barren. After planting indigofera, the soil became fertile, the leaves are now used to feed goats and sheep, and the branches are used as biomass fuel,” Rismayadi explained.
He expressed optimism that the program would continue to thrive, boosting the local economy.
“We hope that with this indigofera planting program, the economic level of the residents in Bojongkapol Village will improve,” Rismayadi added.
Rismayadi further revealed that the program has piqued the interest of the broader community, sparking discussions even in local coffee shops.
“After the event, many villagers wanted to learn more about this program. It’s been a popular topic of conversation in the village,” he shared.
PLN’s President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, emphasized that the biomass development initiative is a tangible form of collaboration aimed at accelerating the energy transition.
“The energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities. Therefore, this effort requires broader collaboration to ensure it can be scaled nationwide,” Darmawan explained.
He detailed that the program in Tasikmalaya has empowered more than 400 local residents, with an estimated annual economic potential of IDR 30 billion.
“In the future, we aim to involve 1.25 million people across Indonesia, generating up to IDR 9.5 trillion in economic value annually,” Darmawan concluded.
