Utilizing Solar Power Plants, the Desa Energi Berdikari in Karawang Improves Farmers’ Economy

In 2021, Karawang was listed among the regencies with the most severe levels of extreme poverty in West Java. Through various improvements, particularly in the agro-industry sector, the region succeeded in lowering the poverty rate. One of the commodities showing growth in this sector is straw mushrooms.

“The increasing demand for mushroom products has become an opportunity for farmers to cultivate straw mushrooms. However, the high operational costs, which have not yet been able to cover the expenses incurred, have become a problem for straw mushroom farmers,” said Ikin, Head of the Tirta Makmur Farmers Group, Tanjung Jata Hamlet, Muara Village, Cilamaya Wetan, Karawang.

In response to this challenge, Ikin and his farmer group collaborated with Pertamina through the Pertamina Desa Energi Berdikari (DEB/Independent Energy Village) program. This program aims to enhance the economic and environmental well-being of villages through renewable energy.

“In September 2024, Pertamina New Renewable Energy introduced us to the Solar Power Plant (PLTS). We use it for water pumps in straw mushroom cultivation, hatching chicken eggs, and lighting. Pertamina also provides maintenance services, mentoring, and training,” said Ikin.

In July 2025, Pertamina increased the capacity of the PLTS from 2.2 kWp with a 5 kWh battery to 6.6 kWp with a battery capacity of 15 kWh. This upgrade reduced operational costs for straw mushroom cultivation and other businesses, generating annual electricity savings of IDR 13.9 million. The benefits are enjoyed by 1,200 residents of Muara Village, while the use of renewable energy also contributed to emissions reduction by 8.58 tons of CO2eq per year.

“We are grateful for Pertamina’s support through the DEB Program, which utilizes PLTS as an energy source that saves electricity costs. Previously, mushroom farmers relied on paid electricity, but now the excess power can even be used to develop other businesses,” Ikin explained.

To empower the community’s economy, the Tirta Makmur Farmers Group in Muara Village, Karawang, has implemented integrated farming, utilizing PLTS for the cultivation of mushrooms, crystal guavas, mangoes, cauliflower, and cayenne peppers. They also raise native chickens, produce organic compost, and process waste.

The VP of Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Fadjar Djoko Santoso, stated that Pertamina remains committed to providing clean energy for communities around its operational areas. Through the DEB Program, the company promotes sustainable economic growth, minimizes environmental impacts, and addresses energy access inequality by utilizing renewable energy.

“Currently, Pertamina has 176 DEB Programs across Indonesia. Seventy percent of them are outside Java Island to support equitable development in remote areas and energy independence in rural regions,” said Fadjar.

“The impacts of Pertamina’s 176 DEB programs are experienced by 186,316 beneficiaries, including 42 persons with disabilities, generating electricity from renewable energy of 757,759 Watt Peak (Wp). Moreover, carbon emissions are reduced by 729,808 tons of CO2eq per year. The DEB program has also created economic value for village communities of 3.7 billion rupiah per year,” Fadjar explained.

Through the DEB, Pertamina hopes communities can experience the tangible benefits of sustainable energy while gaining new opportunities to improve their welfare. It also proves that Pertamina consistently supports the national energy transition agenda toward Net Zero Emissions by 2060, while strengthening the company’s contribution to the economic and social development of rural communities.

The DEB is a Pertamina Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) Program that supports Asta Cita of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly point number 6, namely building villages and grassroots initiatives for equitable economic distribution and poverty eradication, in line with the principles of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement.