The Center for Energy Studies of Universitas Gadjah Mada (PSE UGM) distributed humanitarian assistance in the form of portable solar power units to communities in disaster-affected areas of Aceh. The portable solar power systems were delivered and installed at the disaster sites on Sunday (Dec. 28) as a manifestation of PSE UGM’s concern for meeting energy needs amid emergency conditions.
Dr. Rachmawan Budiarto, representing PSE UGM, stated that the portable solar power units were distributed to several locations, including Patan Kemuning, Timang Gajah, and Simpur in Mesidah District, Bener Meriah Regency, as well as Takengon, Aceh.
The assistance was handed over directly to local communities, accompanied by a PSE UGM technical team, including Dr. Adhy Kurniawan and Irawan Eko Prabowo.
Dr. Budiarto explained that the distributed equipment consisted of three packages of portable solar power generators, each with a capacity of 200 watts-peak (Wp).
These solar power units are designed to provide an independent and environmentally friendly source of electricity, and their presence is expected to serve as an alternative energy source for affected communities.
“We hope this assistance can help meet basic needs, particularly for lighting, charging communication devices, and supporting other emergency operations when the PLN electricity supply is disrupted,” he said on Friday (Jan. 9) at UGM.
He further noted that in post-disaster conditions, limited access to electricity often poses a major challenge to the recovery process.
Therefore, the provision of portable solar power units is expected to help maintain energy availability and support electrification efforts in disaster-affected areas of Aceh.
Through this initiative, PSE UGM reaffirmed its commitment to continually contribute to strengthening energy resilience, including during times of crisis and disaster.
The use of renewable energy is considered a relevant and sustainable solution, particularly in areas experiencing disruptions to conventional energy infrastructure.
“PSE UGM hopes that this assistance will provide tangible benefits for the people of Aceh and become part of a collective effort to support post-disaster recovery and resilience through the use of clean and sustainable energy,” he concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya