JAKARTA. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is concerned that the islands of Java and Bali may face an electricity crisis in 2019 if the demand for 21 thousand megawatts (MW) of power is not met.

The power demand must be met soon or else Java and Bali would face a power crisis in 2019, he stated while attending the groundbreaking ceremony of a steam power plant, here, Friday.

The head of state has been focusing on the development of electricity infrastructure since the last week by visiting several regions to monitor the construction work of the power plants.

Jokowi emphasized that the development of power plants, with a combined capacity of 35 thousand MW, was not a mere target but was in line with the demand.

A lack of electricity will hamper investment, industry, and the construction of new factories, he pointed out.

President Jokowi also called to accelerate the construction work of the Lontar Steam Power Plant to increase power supply to Jakarta and Banten.

The project is scheduled for completion six months earlier than the target, he remarked.

The president reiterated that the government would continue to offer electricity subsidy to poor families and micro businesses.

Editor: Yudho Winarto