Kaltara Electricity Interconnection Completed, PLN Ensures More Reliable Electricity Supply

HEAU PT PLN (Persero) has completed the construction of the East Kalimantan (Kaltim) and North Kalimantan (Kaltara) electrical system interconnection network. This strategic project, which is being worked on by the East Kalimantan Development Main Unit (UIP KLT), is the main link between the provision of reliable electricity in two provinces.

General Manager of PLN UIP KLT, Basuki Widodo, revealed that the Interconnection includes the construction of 921.71 kilometers of circuits (kms) with 1,279 towers crossing East Kutai Regency, Berau in East Kalimantan and Bulungan Regency and Tana Tidung. in Kaltara Province.

The completion of this network strengthens the quality of electricity supply while increasing the reliability of the electricity system in eastern Kalimantan.

"The unification of the East Kalimantan electricity system is PLN's commitment in providing equal energy access," said Basuki, Tuesday, December 2.

"With the integration of the Kaltara East Kalimantan system, we create stronger electricity services and are ready to meet the needs of the community and industry," he continued.

Basuki explained that the interconnection project that has been carried out since 2019 has been prepared to support the clean energy transition plan in Kalimantan, including supply integration from the Kayan hydropower plant, Ujung Bilah hydropower plant, and other renewable energy development.

"Completion of the network is carried out through a number of technical stages, ranging from planning, land preparation and Right of Way (ROW), foundation construction, tower establishment (ection), cable withdrawal (stringing), to testing and providing the first voltage (energy). Operational LIKE Certificate (SLO) was also confirmed before the infrastructure was handed over to the operating unit," he said.

In its construction, PLN implements Stakeholder Identification and Mapping Procedures to map all affected parties, including land owners, indigenous peoples, vulnerable groups, and related government agencies. This step is taken to ensure that the development process runs safely and according to the provisions.

"The operation of the interconnect is supported by five new power control points at Maloy, Talisin, Berau, Tanjung Selor, and Tidang Pale, as well as equipped with an optical cable-based surveillance system, digital control, and 5G technology integration readiness to increase the response to disruption in real-time," he added.