Published on
Saturday, 5 September 2026
South Manokwari, ITS News – The Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) 16 from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) together with the Indonesian Ministry of Transmigration held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Development of Small-Scale Wind Turbine-Based Renewable Energy in the Momiwaren Transmigration Area”, Tuesday (1/9). The activity, which took place at the South Manokwari Environmental Agency (DLH) Office, was attended by various stakeholders and resulted in a number of strategic agreements.
This FGD is part of TEP’s field research program, which aims to identify economic potential, map natural resources, and develop data-driven policy recommendations for transmigration areas. The discussion focused on the planned construction of a 2,000-watt micro-wind power plant (PLTB), which will serve as a green energy pilot project in the region.
Based on the results of intensive discussions, all agency representatives and traditional stakeholders expressed their full support for this program. Momiwaren District Head Corneles Ainusi, SH, and Ransiki District Head Nedi Palobang Roreng, SH, expressed optimism and were ready to coordinate land acquisition with the village heads and traditional council. In fact, the Momiwaren Traditional Council emphasized that it would follow the village heads’ decisions and declared the land’s readiness for the program, which would benefit the community.
Support also came from several Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD). Muh Kasim Rumatiga SHut MSi, Head of the South Manokwari Environmental Agency (DLH), welcomed this initiative as a solution to the limited electricity supply in the region. The Fisheries Agency also sees significant potential for utilizing this energy to power water pumps, dry catches, and cool fish storage. Meanwhile, the Tourism Agency believes the availability of electricity at Bovo Beach will be a major supporter of tourism development, coinciding with the planned construction of a gazebo in the area in the 2027 fiscal year.
The TEP 16 team conducted surveys and wind measurements at several locations. Based on the measurements, Dembek Beach recorded the highest maximum wind speed of 13.00 m/s and the highest average speed of 8.97 m/s. This data was the primary consideration in the assessment matrix that led to the designation of Dembek Beach, Momiwaren District, and Bovo Beach, Ransiki District, as priority locations for the PLTB (wind-power plant) development. Both locations were deemed technically feasible, had community support, and had significant economic development benefits.
The head of the TEP 16 team, Prof. Dr. Agung Purniawan, ST, MEng., emphasized the importance of community ownership of this asset. “Sustainability and future maintenance must involve local human resources with the support of relevant policymakers,” he emphasized during the discussion.
Participants agreed that the success of this pilot project will serve as a model for renewable energy development in South Manokwari and will be replicated in other locations in the future. Furthermore, this program has the potential to become a flagship program dedicated to South Manokwari’s anniversary on November 16, 2026. The strategic issues discussed in this FGD also support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy and point 17 on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals. (*)