Jakarta – The Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions (Mendes PDT), Yandri Susanto, received an audience with a delegation of 15 CEOs from British energy and technology innovation companies to explore concrete cooperation in accelerating rural electrification and village development in Indonesia (Feb 11, 2026).

The delegation consisted of leaders from several leading UK energy and climate technology firms, including Carruthers Renewables (off-grid micro-hydro), the Centre for Energy Equality (CEE) (inclusive energy solutions), Eja-Ice (solar-powered cold chains for food and health), Propel and Power (bladeless marine turbines for coastal areas), and Compact Syngas Solutions (waste-to-energy processing).

The meeting focused on practical solutions for rural electricity in remote and archipelagic regions, including the development of decentralized renewable energy systems (off-grid and mini-grids), strengthening the electricity supply for BUMDes (Village-Owned Enterprises) and the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (Red and White Village Cooperatives), as well as energy support for the food cold chain and basic village services.

A number of pilot project schemes were discussed as initial steps for field implementation.

Minister Yandri welcomed the presence of the CEOs, emphasizing that his ministry is open to collaboration with any party to build the nation's villages.

"There are 75,266 villages in Indonesia, so collaboration is essential to develop them," said Minister Yandri.

The Ministry, Yandri added, has 12 Priority Programs that can be integrated with the expertise of these CEOs, such as the Export Village initiative. This program targets the development of 5,000 Export Villages, leveraging the diverse potential of each region.

"We also have the Thematic Village program, which aligns with village potential to serve as suppliers of raw materials for the Government’s flagship program, the Free Nutritious Meals initiative," Yandri explained.

Other programs discussed included Climate Resilient Villages and Waste-Free Villages.

Minister Yandri emphasized that international cooperation must have a direct impact on village residents. “We want this collaboration to produce solutions that can truly be utilized in the villages,” he stated.

The British CEO delegation was coordinated by Jillian Henderson, Lead for International Collaboration in the Innovate UK Energy Access Brokerage program, which facilitates meetings between British innovators and Indonesian government partners.

“Indonesia faces complex geographical challenges but also holds great opportunities for decentralized energy models. We want to start with real projects in the villages, working alongside BUMDes and local governments, so the impact can be felt quickly,” said Jillian Henderson.

The CEOs expressed great interest in collaborating with the Ministry of Villages and PDT to support various programs within the 12 Action Plans.

This audience is part of the Innovate UK Energy Access Brokerage series in Indonesia, which brings together British innovators and national stakeholders to open opportunities for collaboration in rural electricity projects, renewable energy, and technology-based village economic strengthening.

Photo: Taufik/Kemendes PDT

Text: Firman/Kemendes PDT