Kalimantan requires 1,200 MW additional power plants: Minister

Kalimantan needs four additional power stations with a combined capacity of 1,200 MW to meet the electricity demands of households and industries, a minister said.

"We need to build at least four new power plants, with a capacity of 300 MW each. Thus, the need for providing electricity to households will be met, and school children will be able to study at home quietly," National Development Planning Minister Andrinof Chaniago stated here during a teleconference with East Kalimantan Governor Awang Faroek on Monday.

The minister said it was ironical that Kalimantan, which is rich in coal and gas, is not able to fulfill the electricity demands of its households and industries.

Andrinof stated that the central government has assured to reform and simplify licensing procedures, particularly the issuance of a license for the development of power plants.

The central government will also cooperate with the regional government in accelerating land clearance procedures for areas, which will be used to boost the people?s economy.

Andrinof revealed that the power and infrastructure shortage issue will be discussed in the Kalimantan Regional Development meeting being held on Monday until Tuesday. (*)