We NEVER imagined how much electricity has changed our daily lives. Thanks to this energy flow, millions of Indonesian people’s activities run—from home lighting to large industrial machines. Behind this comfort, there is a long struggle which is celebrated every year on National Electricity Day, every 27 October.
But, what is really behind the commemoration of National Electricity Day, and why is it important for us to understand its history?
So, as reported on the official website of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), National Electricity Day is a commemoration held every year as a tribute to the development of the electricity sector in Indonesia. Electricity managed by the State Electricity Company (PLN) now reaches almost every corner of the country.
However, National Electricity Day is not just an ordinary commemoration, but a moment to reaffirm the goal of providing reliable, equitable and sustainable electricity for all Indonesian people.
History of National Electricity Day
National Electricity Day began in 1945, with the establishment of the Indonesian Electricity and Gas Agency after independence. After being controlled by foreign parties for a long time, the Indonesian government is finally determined to take over electricity management which was previously held by Dutch and Japanese companies.
In 1927 the Dutch government formed s’Lands Waterkracht Bedriven (LWB), namely the state electricity company which manages the Plengan hydroelectric power plant, Lamajan hydropower plant, Bengkok Dago hydropower plant, Ubrug and Kracak hydropower plant in West Java, Giringan hydropower plant in Madiun, Tes hydropower plant in Bengkulu, Tonsea hydropower plant long in North Sulawesi and PLTU in Jakarta. In addition, in several municipalities, municipal electricity companies were formed.
After the Dutch surrendered to Japan in World War 2, Indonesia was controlled by Japan. The electricity and gas companies were also taken over by Japan, and all personnel in the electricity companies were taken over by Japanese people.
With the fall of Japan to the Allies, and the proclamation of Indonesian independence on August 17 1945, this good opportunity was used by young people and electricity and gas workers to take over the electricity and gas companies controlled by Japan.
After successfully seizing the electricity and gas companies from Japanese hands, in September 1945 a delegation of electricity and gas workers/employees went to the leadership of the Central KNI, which at that time was chaired by M Kasman Singodimedjo to report the results of their struggle.
Next, the delegation together with the leadership of the Central KNI went to President Soekarno, to hand over the electricity and gas companies to the government of the Republic of Indonesia. The handover was accepted by President Soekarno, and then with Government Decree no. 1 of 1945 dated 27 October 1945, the Electricity and Gas Bureau was formed under the Ministry of Public Works and Energy.
The purpose of commemorating National Electricity Day
National electricity day aims to increase public awareness of the importance of electricity and its role in supporting energy efficiency. Apart from that, this commemoration is a moment of reflection for the government and related agencies to improve electricity services and accelerate electrification in underdeveloped areas. National electricity day is also a forum to encourage innovation and transformation of the energy sector towards independence.
Equitable electricity can be one of the keys to the nation’s progress, but inequality in access to electricity between cities and villages is still a challenge in this sector. This warning reminds us that progress in electricity must be evenly distributed so that every region in Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke, can enjoy the benefits of electrical energy.
National Electricity Day is also a reminder for the younger generation to play a role in maintaining energy sustainability. People, especially the younger generation, are expected to be wiser in using electricity and support energy efficiency efforts for a better future.
So, National Electricity Day is not just a celebration. This can be an evaluation by the government and society regarding the achievements and challenges of the electricity sector, as well as an invitation to continue to support sustainable energy. With community participation and support from all parties, Indonesia’s energy future can be brighter and more equitable for the entire country. (Z-3)
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