Press Release

Jakarta, October 21, 2025 – PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) has officially inaugurated two Solar Power Plants for Irrigation (PLTS Irigasi) located in Matas Village and Tanjung Agung Village, Muara Enim Regency.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governor H. Herman Deru, Muara Enim Regent H. Edison, Deputy Regent Hj. Sumarni, local government and security officials (Forkopimda), as well as PTBA’s management, including Director of Human Resources Ihsanuddin Usman and Sustainability Division Head Dedy Saptaria Rosa. Representatives from 17 regencies and cities across South Sumatra also took part in the event.

PTBA’s Director of Human Resources, Ihsanuddin Usman, stated that the construction of the two solar-powered irrigation systems reflects the company’s commitment to promoting and expanding the use of renewable energy among communities.
“To date, PTBA has built 11 solar-powered irrigation systems around its operational areas, including in Nanjungan, Muara Lawai, Tanjung Raja, Karang Raja, and Tanjung Agung, benefiting a total of 1,169 farmers and irrigating approximately 639 hectares of farmland,” he explained.

He emphasized that this commitment will continue with the development of three more solar-powered irrigation projects currently underway in Muara Gula Baru, Kepur, and Muara Lawai Seberang. According to him, this initiative aligns with PTBA’s noble goal of supporting the government’s clean energy transition while enhancing community welfare.

“With the operation of these solar-powered irrigation systems, we expect farmers in Matas and Tanjung Karangan Villages to increase their harvest frequency from once to two or even three times per year, with a potential yield increase of around 200–300 tons of dry unhusked rice annually,” he said.

He added that, aside from providing economic benefits for approximately 64 farmers, these solar-powered irrigation systems also promote more environmentally friendly agricultural practices and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

Governor Herman Deru expressed his appreciation for PTBA’s contribution, noting that it not only supports clean energy development but also empowers rural communities by improving agricultural productivity. Muara Enim Regent H. Edison also affirmed that the solar-powered irrigation systems are a tangible example of PTBA’s role in advancing regional development.
Meanwhile, Mulyadi, a representative from Matas Village, expressed his gratitude to PTBA.

“In the past, we often struggled with water shortages and feared crop failure. Now we feel secure because our irrigation needs are fulfilled. We are committed to maintaining and utilizing this solar-powered irrigation system to ensure its long-term benefits for our community,” he said.

The two solar-powered irrigation systems are environmentally friendly power plants that were constructed between May and August 2025. Each system has an installed capacity of 11.8 kilowatt-peak, equipped with 20 solar panels spanning an area of 150 square meters, and is capable of irrigating around 20 hectares of farmland per village.

The Matas and Tanjung Karangan solar-powered irrigation systems—along with nine others previously built by PTBA—serve as a model for community-based renewable energy implementation, reaffirming PTBA’s commitment to sustainable development in the energy sector and community empowerment.
 

This article was published on IDN Times