Électrification solaire SDN Mbajik | Écoles éloignées alimentées

Solar power lights SDN Mbajik and restores water and internet to a remote school in East Sumba.

Solar Energy and Connectivity Bring New Life to SDN Mbajik

In the remote highlands of East Sumba, SDN Mbajik in Haray village exemplified the challenges faced by many rural schools across Indonesia. The lack of electricity created a limited rhythm where teachers used kerosene lamps for lesson preparation, and students hurried home before darkness fell.

The satellite dish, intended to bridge the digital divide under the national BAKTI programme, remained unused—the generator needed to activate it had broken down, and sourcing fuel proved to be a difficult task.

Enter the collaboration of Fair Future Foundation, Kawan Baik Indonesia, et Smart Energy Tech Bali. The initiative, led by skilled technician Tony, launched a transformative solar electrification project. The team set out with sixteen 3x1m solar panels, a 5 kW hybrid inverter, et 14 kWh of lithium batteries, all transported by the newly developed “Truck and Load” vehicle. Their journey over five taxing hours of rugged terrain—culminating in two and a half hours on difficult mountain paths—showed remarkable dedication.

For five dedicated days, installation teams worked closely with the local community. Every connection was carefully tested under the light of headlamps and generators until reliable power flowed through the school. The recommissioning of the water pumps and the BAKTI internet connection marked tangible progress. Today, the school is illuminated, devices are charged, and access to clean water is secured.

Living among the community in a traditional Sumbanese home, the team shared in the daily lives of Haray’s residents. The mission ended with comprehensive training for teachers, villagers, and installation supervisors, fostering local expertise in managing and maintaining the solar system.

Achievements in connectivity and energy access here go beyond basic functionality—they reflect hopes for overall improvements in education, health, and community pride. Thanks to the collaboration of Smart Energy Tech, Tony, and the foundations of Un avenir juste and Kawan Baik, SDN Mbajik now stands at the forefront of a brighter, interconnected future.

This operation involved a significant financial and human investment

Nearly 250 million Indonesian rupiah were mobilised to achieve it. The entire mission—logistics, fuel, food, preparation, living expenses for the team on site, and over 1.5 tonnes of technical equipment, including all wiring, was jointly funded by Un avenir juste et Smart Energy Tech.

We are immensely grateful to Smart Energy Tech for their deep commitment to underserved communities. Their support made this life-changing project in Haray not only feasible but also resilient

Aujourd'hui, le 7 novembre 2025 – Alex Wettstein

Click here to explore our photo gallery – 70 powerful images capturing every step of this life-changing solar project in Haray, East Sumba.

Click here to watch The Day Night Changed – a short, powerful film telling the incredible human story behind this life-changing solar project in Haray, East Sumba.