Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta Provincial Government, and the State-Owned Electricity Company (PT PLN Persero) agreed to create the Independent Energy Village Program in Yogyakarta Province. The agreement was stated in the text of cooperation that was signed on Monday (19/10) in the Malioboro Auditorium, PLN Building, Jalan Gedongkuning, Yogyakarta.
           All three officials who signed the agreement were the Governor of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan HB X, Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., and Director of PT PLN (Persero), Ir. Fahmi Mochtar, M.M. Collectively, the three officials wanted to improve the welfare of rural communities through the Independent Energy Village Program in the Province of Yogyakarta Special Region.
           As an institution that issued the CSR Independent Energy Village Program in Yogyakarta, PT PLN (Persero) hopes this program will be focused on renewable energy sources, namely sources of environmentally friendly energy for local communities. "This is so the village can achieve energy independence, regardless of external dependence. In addition, they will be environmentally friendly and sustainable," said the Director of PLN.
           With this cooperation, the Rector of UGM hopes that the science can be applied and developed for refinement, utility, and happiness. With the support of the existing institutions, UGM, which has many lecturers, students, and employees, can help in keeping the prosperity of the nation.
           "Of course, there are many parts we want to be dedicated to. It’s just that, UGM starts from the areas surrounding the campus. From the valuable experiences, UGM wants to pass it on to others. Also, this partnership provides an opportunity for UGM to extend the values, "said the Rector.
           Meanwhile, the Governor of Yogyakarta gave high appreciation for the cooperation. This agreement is expected to ease the burden of some communities in the province, especially the remote hamlets that have difficulty receiving electricity supplies.
           "We often talk of economic growth or electricity use. It has always been the problem in building this nation, but what is important is that with the CSR from PLN and the willingness of UGM to apply the technology is one way out for the provincial government, how remote villages can get electric energy based on local resource conditions, "said the Governor.
           In the three-party cooperation, UGM is expected to provide technological and non-technological services. Concretely, UGM will make a feasibility study, basic design, detailed engineering design, manufacture, installation, socialization, monitoring, training, and assistance with the involving of KKN PPM UGM (Student Community Service).
           Reflecting on the success of the micro-hydro development programs in Cangkringan sub-district and the biogas development in 50 spots, UGM and the provincial government of Yogyakarta and PT PLN (Persero) hope to try to flow electricity to approximately 300 villages in Yogyakarta, which until now have not enjoyed electricity. Several sub-districts in the province are known to store enough potential to produce energy, such as in Panjatan, Kokap, Kalibawang Kulonprogo and Sanden, Piyungan, Bantul. In these areas abundant amount of water and plenty of farms are often found so it is possible to develop micro hydro, bio-fuels, biogas and solar power.