Solar Power Empowers Women in Borneo

Why this is here: Asniah, a mother of three, started a business making fish crackers only after solar power replaced inconsistent diesel generators, allowing her to reliably use a blender for production.

In Muara Enggelam, a village in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, the arrival of solar energy has enabled new businesses, particularly those started by women. Residents previously relied on expensive and unreliable diesel generators, experiencing frequent power outages. Since 2015, solar capacity has grown through community contributions and government support, now reaching nearly 200 homes and powering small businesses like food stalls and fish cracker production.

This increased access to electricity has expanded market reach via social media and provided convenience for daily tasks. However, a recent report from Celios and Greenpeace indicates a national stall in renewable energy adoption in rural villages. The number of villages with some household solar power decreased roughly 26% from 2021 to 2024, attributed largely to ongoing government subsidies for fossil fuels.

Despite Indonesia’s overall electrification rate reaching 99%, 1.4 million people still lack access, and uneven distribution persists. Work continues to expand reliable power to remote communities and address energy access inequality.