Solar Electrification SDN Mbajik Restores Power, Water, and Internet in East Sumba
A transformative project delivers clean energy and connectivity to a remote school.

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, and 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, and 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 Fair Future 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 Fair Future and 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
Today, the 7th of November 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.
In short, Sustainable energy, thanks to expertise
Beyond the panels and batteries, the success of the SDN Mbajik project depends on the involvement of the villagers. After installation, Fair Future organised a practical training day for teachers and residents. Now, the community manages its own solar system: checking batteries, cleaning panels, and safeguarding the installation. In East Sumba, sustainable change relies not only on the equipment installed but also on those who know how to maintain it. Click here to see more pictures
Solar electrification and connectivity – SDN Mbajik
List of Related Organisations with Hyperlinks
- SolarBuddy: Supplies solar lights to children around the world living in energy poverty.
- BAKTI Kominfo: The national agency responsible for broadband access and rural school connectivity in Indonesia.
- Rotary International: An international network funding projects in clean water, health, and education.
- Lighting Global: Provides standards and data on quality off-grid solar energy worldwide.
- WHO – Energy and health: Connects energy access to water safety, disease prevention, and healthcare.
- UNICEF WASH: Focuses on enhancing child health through safe water and sanitation.
- Smart Energy Tech: Develops and deploys solar solutions for remote locations across Indonesia.











