Bringer of Light to Kamanggih

Kamanggih village in East Nusa Tenggara had no electricity. Community leader Umbu Hinggu Panjanji, 44, refused to remain idle, and instead encouraged the villagers to build a micro hydropower plant on Mbakuhau River.

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

Ketua Koperasi Serba Usaha Kamanggih Umbu Hinggu Panjanji yang mengelola Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Mikro Hidro (PLTMH) Mbakuhau di Desa Kamanggih Kecamatan Kahaungu Eti Kabupaten Sumba Timur, Nusa Tenggara Timur.

Kamanggih village in Kahaungu Eti district, East Sumba regency, East Nusa Tenggara had no electricity. Community leader Umbu Hinggu Panjanji, 44, refused to remain idle, and instead encouraged the villagers to build a micro hydropower plant (PLTMH) on Mbakuhau River.

The lives of the Kamanggih villagers used to be one of many hardships. They found it difficult to access clean water and they had no electricity, never mind a mobile phone network. Kamanggih’s backwardness was complete. However, this is now part of history. The village now produces green energy and has become self-sufficient.