Solar Energy and Local Entrepreneurship Transformed Lengora Pantai

Lengora Pantai a small coastal village  located In the Bombana District Southeast Sulawesi. Within this villaged, lied the hamlets of Boepapa and Nelayan where for many years, lived in isolation from the modern energy provision. Electricity—a basic necessity in most places—was nothing more than a dream for the people of this remote community. Without power, the villagers faced multiple, interlocking challenges that hinder their potential. 

Life Before Electricity 

Before the intervention, the lack of electricity in Lengora Pantai meant the absence of reliable energy to power homes, businesses, and essential services. In practical terms, this left the village in a state of constant limitation. No electricity meant no light after dusk, which not only restricted social interaction but also brought productive activities to a halt. The day ended when the sun set, and any attempt to extend work or study hours required expensive and inefficient diesel generators. However, the cost of fuel was prohibitive, and many families had no choice but to forgo this option altogether. 

The consequences of this energy poverty were profound. Economic activity was severely limited, with local fishermen unable to preserve their daily catch due to a lack of ice, and home-based businesses struggling to survive. Moreover, education was hindered, as students found it difficult to study after dark, and teachers like Maryam could only do so much with the limited resources at their disposal. 

“The electricity provides more space for us to develop,” Yati explained. “among other, not only has it improved the teaching process in school and student learning, but it has also made my household chores much easier.” Yati’s personal testimony paints a picture of the great effect that reliable electricity has on both professional and domestic life. In short, life without electricity was a life of restriction—one where opportunities were missed, and the full potential of the community could never be realized. 

The Arrival of Solar Power: A New Dawn 

All of that changed with the introduction of the ACCESS program, which set its sights on transforming remote villages like Lengora Pantai through renewable energy. The installation of a solar power plant (PLTS) marked a turning point for the village. The plant, built to be 100% sustainable, provided a clean, reliable source of electricity that was accessible to everyone in the community. 

For the people of Boepapa and Nelayan, this was more than just a technical upgrade—it was a gateway to a brighter future. Suddenly, homes could be lit up after dark, allowing families to extend their activities into the evening hours. Children could study at night, improving their chances for academic success. Businesses that had once been constrained by the lack of power were now able to grow and evolve. The simple act of flipping a switch had opened up a world of possibility. 

For the first time, the villagers had reliable, cost-effective energy, freeing them from the need for costly generators and enabling them to allocate resources toward more productive ventures. 

Empowering the Economy: The Birth of Local Entrepreneurship 

The introduction of solar energy not only improved living conditions but also sparked a wave of economic innovation. One of the most pressing needs in the village had long been the preservation of fish—a vital part of the local economy. Without ice to preserve their daily catch, fishermen were forced to travel long distances to nearby towns to buy ice, risking spoilage and profit loss in the process. This challenge was amplified by unpredictable weather, making the situation even more precarious. 

Recognizing this issue, the village-owned enterprise, BUMDesa Larano Jaya establish an ice production business. With an initial support from UNDP investment of IDR 25,000,000, the business was set up to produce ice locally, providing a sustainable solution to the fishermen’s longstanding challenge. The ice-making venture involved freezing water in 12mm plastic bags, which were then stored in freezer boxes, ready for distribution to the fishermen. 

The impact was immediate and profound. Not only did the ice production business provide a critical service to the local fishing industry, but it also became a major source of income for the village. The business generated daily earnings of between IDR 150,000 and IDR 200,000, which translated to a monthly profit of approximately IDR 5,000,000. This money was reinvested into the community, supporting other local initiatives and ensuring the sustainability of the village-owned enterprise. 

For the fishermen, the availability of affordable ice meant they no longer had to risk traveling outside the village, nor did they have to worry about the potential spoilage of their catch due to bad weather. As one fisherman noted, “The ice business has changed everything. We can now preserve our fish right here in the village, which means more security for our families and less uncertainty in our work.” 

The solar power plant has sparked a period of unprecedented growth and optimism in Lengora Pantai. The village is no longer held back by the limitations of the past. Solar power has not only illuminated homes but also illuminated minds, providing the foundation for a future filled with opportunity. 

As Maryam said, “Electricity has made us realize that we can achieve more than we ever thought possible.” Through the ACCESS program, renewable energy, and the entrepreneurial spirit of BUMDesa Larano Jaya, the people of Lengora Pantai have discovered the power of self-reliance and innovation. They are no longer defined by what they lack, but by what they have built—a thriving community empowered by the light of solar energy and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.