Representatives from Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) visited Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 27 and 28 February, to attend the HAPUA Gathering 2019. Hosted by Indonesia’s State Electricity Company (Perusahaan Listrik Negara/PLN) as the main secretariat of HAPUA, this gathering was attended by HAPUA representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.  This two-day gathering discussed ways to strengthen coordination among HAPUA members.

The first day was filled with presentations from Mr. Ananda Idris, an expert invited by HAPUA to enhance participants knowledge on effective organisational communications.  This is continued by a presentation from ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), about the recent regional energy development and challenges, especially in the power sector. It was noted that HAPUA holds an important role as a vital link to achieve one of ASEAN’s flagship programme, the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).  In this regard, HAPUA plans to execute a series of activities related to the APG and to share information to other regional stakeholders.

The following day was filled with a cultural visit to Indonesia’s famous Buddhist temple, Borobudur.  The group then continued the day by visiting PLN’s Community Economic Centre, which is PLN’s corporate social responsibility’s project to assist local economy through creative tourism near Borobudur.  The gathering is expected to be held annually to strengthen teamwork between the countries secretariats, as well as to improve HAPUA’s effectiveness in its works towards APG’s goals. (ADP)