From KONTAN.CO.ID, TANJUNG SELOR. Hashim Djojohadikusumo, a prominent businessman and the younger brother of the newly elected president, Prabowo Subianto, has expressed his interest in investing in the Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) project owned by PT Kayan Hydro Energy (KHE).

“Indeed, I have long been interested in investing in renewable energy. For instance, in East Kalimantan, I have a biofuel project, which is energy derived from leftover wood. I see that Indonesia has vast forests, many of which are victims of fires and illegal logging. We want to replant these areas, and use the leftover wood to create bioenergy,” he revealed during a celebration event for PT Kayan Hydro Energy and a thank you ceremony for the government, community, and traditional support for the PLTA Kayan Hydro Energy in Tanjung Selor, North Kalimantan, on Thursday, May 30.

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He emphasized that the move to invest in the largest PLTA project in Southeast Asia would be even better if it were to happen soon. 

“Yes, there is a possibility that we will get involved. As soon as possible, perhaps in the coming months,” he added.

Meanwhile, the owner of KHE, Tjandra Limanjaya, stated that the construction of the Kayan PLTA with a capacity of 9,000 megawatts (MW) is expected to be completed by 2028. 

“We have already started the project, it has been active for about a year now. We were previously working on the infrastructure, so we estimate it will be completed by 2028,” Tjandra revealed.

Hashim also stated that the investment target could be achieved this year if all permits are complete. 

“We hope to invest soon, all permits are complete, we have seen them, we hope to do it this year, that's our hope,” he added.

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Furthermore, Hashim also revealed that he has received support from his older brother, Prabowo Subianto, to invest in this project. 

“Yes. I have reported to Prabowo. He agrees this is for investment,” he concluded.

The Kayan Hydro Energy PLTA is located in the Peso District, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan (Kaltara) and this project has been started since 2012. 

The construction phase of the PLTA is planned to be divided into 5 stages, with a total investment value reaching US$17.8 billion or equivalent to Rp275.9 trillion (with an exchange rate of Rp15,500 per US dollar). 

The power source from the Kayan PLTA is targeted to be distributed to the State Capital (IKN), industrial areas in Kalimantan, as well as the electricity needs of the community around Kalimantan.

Editor: Syamsul Azhar