Community-based centralized solar mini-grid management for rural electrification: Evidence from remote villages

Abstract

Centralized solar mini-grid Program (PLTS Terpusat) is a policy issued by the Indonesian government to assist rural electrification in remote villages. Muara Enggelam, Labuangkallo and Balikukup villages are remote villages that have received centralized solar mini-grid grants from the Central and Provincial Governments. This study aims to capture community-based centralized solar mini-grid management for rural electrification in remote villages based on a logic model perspective. Data collection was carried out qualitatively by conducting interviews with local authority, community leaders, business actors, community, and solar minigrid managers unit. The results of the study show that solar off-grid managed by the community includes: (1) Inputs: community involvement, technical and managerial competence, and sustainable budget; (2) Processes: integrated with business local, community contribution, community commitment, and monev; (3) Outputs: rural electrification, and socioeconomic benefit. However, there are several obstacles in the management of the Solar off-grid in Labuangkallo and Balikukup Village, namely the community’s commitment to providing monthly contributions and the weak leadership of the village government in managing the Solar off-grid.