A new beginning for sustainable energy in the Katingan Mentaya Project

PT Rimba Makmur Utama joined hands with PT Arya Watala Capital and 4 other partners to build a solar power installation in Tampelas , a remote village in the banks of Katingan River. This project is one initial step to build a restorative economy in the areas surrounding the Katingan Mentaya Project.  Restorative economy is a concept in which economic growth  goes hand in hand with culture preservation and environmental sustainability. The agreement was signed on 8th of August by RMU CEO Dharsono Hartono, Watala Founder Mada Ayu Habsari, Synkrona General Manager Dicky Pranadias, Syntek Senior Sales Engineer Fitroh Trikusumahadi and Nanang, a representative of Wibawa Perkasa Abadi.

The main objective of the solar power project is to provide sufficient and ‘clean’ electricity to boost the economic growth  of the people in Tampelas, most of whom are currently relying on diesel-powered communal generator, limiting their productivity. The infrastructure and installation of the solar panels are expected to be completed in Q1 2023.

Tampelas is known for its economic potential, one of which is snakehead fish farming which can be used for the extraction of albumin, a substance known for its many health benefits. To build a scalable albumin industry which can significantly enhance the livelihood of the locals, adequate and consistent supply of electricity is fundamental, in which the solar power installation can be a solution.  Other existing small scale businesses already growing in Tampelas are  birdnest farming, internet shops, auto repair shops, etc. Tampelas is also one of the villages surrounding Katingan Mentaya  which conducts their own conservation activities through social forest management, which shows the people’s awareness and commitments towards ecosystem restoration.  With the proper infrastructure, the Tampelas social forest has high potentials for ecotourism, due to its rich biodiversity as well as the scenic Buku Lake located within. With Tampelas as the pilot project, it is hoped that the restorative economy concept can be replicated in other villages surrounding Katingan Mentaya in the future, engaging more partners to add greater value to the programme.