“AI allows us to anticipate potential failures before they happen,” said Aldo Artoko, president director at Arkora Hydro, in an interview with Asian Power. “This means less downtime, better optimization, and stronger reliability in serving the grid.”
The company has implemented a computer- and cloud-based monitoring system across its assets, enabling real-time remote analysis and optimization. The system supports predictive maintenance, reduces operational risks, and improves overall plant efficiency. Artoko described this digital upgrade as a milestone for Indonesia’s hydropower sector.
Arkora currently operates three hydropower plants with a combined 27.4 MW capacity: Cikopo in West Java, and Tomasa and Yaentu in Central Sulawesi. Two additional projects are under construction: the 11-MW Kukusan plant in Lampung, now over 80% complete, and the 4.4-MW Tomoni project in South Sulawesi, which has reached more than 30% progress.
The company has also secured a 20-MW power purchase agreement with state-owned PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) for the Pongbembe project, bringing its total contracted capacity to 62.8 MW across six developments. Arkora’s medium-term pipeline of more than 200 MW is expected to be realized within three to five years.
Once Kukusan and Tomoni come online, Arkora anticipates annual output of 257 gigawatt-hours (GWh), which would reduce nearly 100,000 tons of CO? emissions per year. Kukusan is projected to generate 35,054 MWh annually, while Tomoni will contribute 56,940 MWh.
“With over 100,000 tons of carbon reductions annually, we aim to help Indonesia meet its net zero 2060 goals,” Artoko said.
The company emphasizes local hiring, drawing most of its site workforce from host communities. “By involving local talent, we build not just power plants but also relationships that ensure project sustainability,” Artoko added.
Arkora maintains disciplined capital spending of $2–2.5 million per MW, ensuring projects comply fully with regulatory standards. The company plans to accelerate construction, expand site exploration, strengthen talent acquisition, and uphold strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
“Hydropower has always been stable,” Artoko noted. “By adding AI, we make it smarter and more adaptive — and that’s how we plan to stay ahead in the renewable transition.”
Arkora Hydro’s integration of advanced technology, strategic expansion, and community engagement demonstrates a commitment to enhancing Indonesia’s clean energy infrastructure while supporting broader sustainability and climate objectives.
