Makassar, Indonesia – A company with more than 120 years of experience delivering meaningful innovations to improve people’s lives, Philips Indonesia announces today that it has donated 100 sets of Solar Indoor Lighting to nine villages in South Sulawesi, as part of the “Kampung Terang Hemat Energi” (Bright Energy-Saving Villages) program today. Lighting will be donated to Romang Tangaya, Sawaru, Benteng, Bonto Manurung, Bonto Sumba, Erelembang, Wage, Belawa, and Inalipue. With the exception of Romang Tangaya in Makassar, all villages are located a distant three-to-four hours’ drive from Sulawesi’s provincial capital.

Similar to many regions in Indonesia, the percentage of homes and businesses with electricity access in South Sulawesi is still quite low, ranging from 41-60%[1]. Although electricity infrastructure has already penetrated most villages, electricity access is still considered a luxury for most low-income families which, out of necessity, remain off the grid.

“Philips solar-powered LED lighting enables people in remote, rural areas to conduct a range of daily activities that were previously limited to daylight hours, even after the sun sets. This can transform the way people conduct their daily lives,” says Chandra Vaidyanathan, Senior Vice President and Country Manager Philips Lighting Indonesia. “Philips Indonesia’s ‘Kampung Terang Hemat Energi’ program is a testament to our commitment to bring energy-efficient lighting, not only to the people of the city, but also to off-the-grid communities.”

Kampung Terang Hemat Energi marks the implementation of a winning, “Innovation That Matters to You,” which was launched to solicit ideas on how to apply technology to improve people’s lives. More than a donation project to give away energy efficient light bulbs, Kampung Terang Hemat Energi delivers sustainable, solar powered, and energy-efficient LED lighting that empowers villages to harness the sun’s energy for long-lasting light.

In partnership with the municipality of Makassar and Kopernik, a local NGO specializing in technology to empower residents in remote villages, Philips has installed 100 sets of Solar Indoor Lighting in public areas, including mosques, health clinics, schools, and village meeting halls in the nine villages. Each Solar Indoor Lighting features a solar panel and three LED bulbs. Philips also additionally donated four Solar Road Lighting systems and 52 sets of Solar Home Systems to villages with the greatest need for lighting access.

In January, Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) outlined its commitment to help end poverty due and prevent millions of deaths due to limited access to lighting, as part of its commitment to UNESCO’s International Year of Light.

“Our company’s global commitment begins with local villages, here in Indonesia,” continues Chandra. “At Philips, we value long-term partnerships with individuals, organizations, and municipal governments to deliver our life-changing lighting innovations to those who need them most. We want to make a real difference for our consumers, from the city to the village.”

To learn more about Philips Lighting Indonesia and our programs, visit www.philips.co.id, like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/PhilipsLightingIndonesia, or follow us on Twitter @Philips_ID. Inquiries regarding Philips Lighting Services may be addressed to info-prof@signify.com. Tel: +62 21 2965 1333. Fax: +62 21 794 0050.