Swallowing IDR 11 Trillion Investment Cost, PLN Operates 1.181 Km Transmission

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) has successfully completed the construction of a 500 kiloVolt (kV) Extra High Voltage Air Line (SUTET) transmission circuit that supports the Java-Bali electricity system. The construction of the transmission, which is known as the Backbone 500 kV Java Project, requires an investment of more than IDR 11 trillion.

The transmission network of 1,181 kilometers (kms) stretches along the north of Java Island from Jepara to Bekasi, crossing 20 regencies/cities and 358 villages.

Director of Mega Projects and New Renewable Energy at PLN, Wiluyo Kusdwiharto, said that the completion of this project is the most awaited because it is very vital for the Java-Bali electricity system. This transmission line is projected to evacuate the electrical power generated by large power plants on the island of Java.

The power will then be distributed to customers, both the public and high voltage consumers (KTT).

"This transmission line will further increase the reliability of the Java-Bali electricity system. It is clear that the completion of this project will have a positive impact in supporting the national economic recovery,” said Wiluyo.

He further explained that the construction of the transmission network supported by 1.391 towers plus 2 low level gantry was divided into five 500 kV SUTET lines and 4 500 kV GITET lines, namely: SUTET 500 kV PLTU Tanjung Jati B – Tx (Ungaran-Pedan), SUTET 500 kV Tx (Ungaran-Pedan) – Batang, SUTET 500 kV Trunk – Mandirancan, SUTET 500 kV Mandirancan – Indramayu, SUTET 500 kV Indramayu – Cibatu Baru (Deltamas).

Meanwhile, the 500 kV GITET is divided into 500 kV Batang GITET, 500 kV Mandirancan GITET, 500 kV Indramayu GITET, 500 kV Cibatu Baru (Deltamas) GITET.

"Completion of this project ends with the provision of the first voltage and the loading of the 500 kV Indramayu - Cibatu Baru (Deltamas) SUTET line in March 2022," said Wiluyo.

Wiluyo believes that the operation of a number of these National Strategic Projects will have a major impact on the business and economic sectors. He hopes that the presence of this electricity infrastructure will attract more investors so that it will drive the wheels of the national economy.

General Manager of PLN Central Java Development Main Unit, Djarot Hutabri EBS explained that during the development process, challenges and obstacles became unavoidable. Starting from challenging work locations, technical problems to social problems must continue to be faced. Even in the past three years, there has been a national pandemic condition that requires activity restrictions.

He also ensures that PLN will consistently continue to provide the best contribution to the regional economy by using local workers for some of its work, up to 4.978 local workers. In addition, support to the community is also provided through Social and Environmental Responsibility programs such as improvement of village infrastructure and community development in managing village potential.