Press Release

PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) has several programs to improve the welfare of the local community including the construction of a Solar Power Plant for agricultural irrigation pumps.

The Solar Irrigation CSR program is PTBA's effort to encourage the use of renewable energy, empower the community, while preserving the environment; in line with PTBA's Noble Purpose as a member of the MIND ID Group to explore natural resources for civilization, prosperity and a brighter future.

"PTBA has a strong commitment to contribute to sustainable economic development by emphasizing a balance between economic, social and environmental aspects, one of which is realized in the utilization of solar energy for agricultural irrigation," said PTBA Corporate Secretary, Apollonius Andwie.

There are five solar irrigation projects that have been built by PTBA to date. The first is Trimulyo Village solar irrigation in Pesawaran Regency, Lampung, operating from 2020 with a capacity of 35 kWp, distributing water for 167 hectares of agricultural land.

Second, solar irrigation in Talawi Village, Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra, with a capacity of 16.5 kWp, operating since 2019 distributing water to 62 hectares of rice fields.

Third, solar irrigation in Tanjung Raja Village, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra with a capacity of 16.5 kWp distributing water to 63 hectares of rice fields.

Fourth, solar irrigation in Nanjungan Village, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra, with a capacity of 27.5 kWp, operating in 2022 distributing water to approximately 100 hectares land area.

Then most recently, PTBA built solar irrigation in Rejosari Mataram Village, Central Lampung Regency, South Sumatra, with a capacity of 42.5 kWp to irrigate 150 hectares of rice fields.

Solar power plant as an energy source for irrigation pumps can increase the frequency of harvests and the annual productivity of farmers up to 3 times a year.

Prior to the solar irrigation system, the land was about to have crop failure several times due to the uncertain season. Some villages relied on rain-fed fields and only harvested once a year. 

With solar irrigation, PTBA also involves and empowers the community to carry out routine maintenance of the solar irrigation equipment. It is expected that the equipment can last in the long term.

"The Solar Irrigation CSR program is expected to increase the socio-economic independence of the community, and optimize agricultural production. In addition, the use of solar-based renewable energy is one of the efforts in the transformation movement for the utilization of environmentally friendly energy sources," said Apollo.