PLN Reports Aceh's Electricity System Recovers 93 Percent

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) managed to restore 93 percent of the electricity system in Aceh so that more than 1.7 million people have enjoyed electricity again.

The electricity supply at four locations in Aceh, which was previously dark because the most affected by the disaster, has returned to light. The four districts consist of Bener Meriah Regency, Central Aceh, Aceh Tamiang, and Gayo Lues.

The Minister of Energy for Resources and Minerals (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia said that the President's directive from the start of the disaster to immediately accelerate the recovery of all Aceh electricity with various cross-sectoral efforts and cooperation. Therefore, continued Bahlil, his party together with PLN continue to collaborate with the Regional Government, TNI, POLRI, BNPB, related Ministries/Institutions and all stakeholders to accelerate the recovery of electricity supply.

"Alhamdulillah, electricity restoration in four districts is running smoothly. This is not an easy job, but thanks to the strong collaboration between PLN, TNI, Polri, Regional Government, and community support, this can be achieved immediately. We know that electricity and energy recovery is very crucial because it has a big impact on various aspects of people's lives, especially in difficult times like today," said Bahlil, Monday, December 8.

PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo explained, officers work quickly in the midst of challenging conditions.

"Alhamdulillah, the progress of Aceh's electricity recovery today has succeeded in increasing significantly from the previous 81 percent to 93 percent," said Darmawan.

Darmawan also explained that to create a reliable Aceh electricity system as usual, it will take the next 24 hours for the synchronization process to be carried out.

"Currently, the Aceh electricity system takes 24 hours in the synchronization process so that electricity supply is more stable and sturdy. The synchronization process is carried out to eliminate rotating blackouts so that Aceh's electricity system can recover as usual," said Darmawan.

Darmawan explained that the recovery of the electricity system was carried out by prioritizing public service facilities such as hospitals, refugee posts, government offices, telecommunications networks and other vital facilities. Gradually, electricity supplies also continue to be distributed to people's homes.

"Telecommunications networks that were previously paralyzed can now operate, just like other vital public facilities. We also prioritize the safety of residents by ensuring that each location is safe from puddles before returning to electricity. Not only that, PLN officers also continue to be on standby in affected areas to anticipate any potential aftershocks," explained Darmawan.

Darmawan also detailed that the recovery process became very challenging when floods and subsequent landslides knocked down several high-voltage transmission towers at a number of new points that were previously unaffected. This condition forced PLN to re-identify the network, deploy additional equipment, and increase the number of personnel to build emergency towers in a short time.

"In the midst of efforts to connect the transmission that we have identified, the weather worsened again and knocked down the tower at a new point. This requires new equipment and additional personnel in the field. However, thanks to the joint work of the TNI, Polri, Regional Government, BNPB, BPBA, to the community, we can overcome all these obstacles," concluded Darmawan.