Government Targets Electricity Recovery For All Sumatra Regions To Be Completed December 5

JAKARTA - The government targets the restoration of electricity in all areas affected by floods and landslides on the island of Sumatra to be completed on Friday this week.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Pratikno said the acceleration was carried out, especially on improving electricity infrastructure damaged by disasters.

"For the recovery of high-voltage towers, it is targeted to be completed on Friday, December 5, 2025. PLN has accelerated improvements from five to six days to only two to three days," Pratikno said at a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, East Jakarta, Wednesday, December 3.

This acceleration, he said, was intended so that the supply of electricity to a number of areas that were still out of order could immediately turn on again. A number of transmission lines are the main focus considering their role as a liaison for the electricity system in Aceh and North Sumatra.

"So that the Arun-Bireuen (Aceh) and Tarutung-Sibolga (North Sumatra) lines whose electricity is still out can immediately turn on again," he said.

In addition to electricity, the government is also monitoring the recovery of communication networks. PT Telkom has deployed thousands of field officers to accelerate repairs in areas severely affected.

"For the recovery of telecommunications services in Sumatra, Telkom has deployed 2,498 personnel who are members of the recovery team, until the repair process is complete they will be on duty at the location," said Pratikno.

Efforts to distribute fuel oil (BBM) are claimed to remain a concern, considering that operational needs in the field are increasing. Shipments by land, said Pratikno, are still being pursued with cross-sectoral support.

"Pertamina's efforts to send fuel by land are also being pursued by Pertamina, supported by various parties today," he said.

Pratikno explained that the government is focused on ensuring basic services can reach all regions, including areas where access is still cut off due to landslides and flood overflows.

"We have sent more than 500,000 tons of aid from various parties, be it food packages, ready-to-eat food, medicines, tents, blankets and other direct assistance to affected residents, including areas whose access routes are cut off," explained Pratikno.

The government has set two phases of post-disaster recovery targets in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, namely in 100 days and one year. According to Pratikno, this step is the basis for public evaluation of the effectiveness of the hydrometeorological disaster management.

"We also apologize if in an effort to deal with floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra there are still shortcomings. But the instructions from the President are very clear, we must mobilize all resources from the central government," he added.