150 kV Transmission Rampung, PLN Enters the Operation Stage of the Plant

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) has successfully restored the 150-kilovolt (kV) Pangkalan Brandan-Langsa transmission network today, Wednesday, December 17 at 13.30 WIB.

Thus, the interconnection of Aceh's electricity system, which was previously isolated, has been reconnected to the backbone of the large Sumatra system.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo said that with the recovery of the interconnection, the restoration of electricity in Aceh is now entering the stage of restarting the power plant.

"The resumption of the Pangkalan Brandan-Langsa transmission is an important point in the restoration of electricity in Aceh. This line is the backbone of the Sumatra-Aceh interconnection, so its recovery opens the way for the next phase of the overall system recovery," said Darmawan, Wednesday, December 17.

He explained that the restoration of interconnections was carried out through the construction of emergency towers at a number of transmission points affected by floods and landslides, so that the Pangkalan Brandan-Langsa line could be safely re-functionalized.

"In the process, the construction of this emergency tower was carried out in the midst of challenging field conditions, ranging from limited access to the location, the unstable terrain contour after the disaster, to high rainfall that caused extreme water and mud puddles," explained Darmawan.

He continued, after the transmission network was successfully reconnected, PLN entered the stage of restarting the power plant, especially the Nagan Raya PLTU.

This process makes the Aceh electricity system gradually recover.

For optimal operation, it takes about 48 hours in the future through the heating process, synchronization with the system, and performance testing.

This stage is a prerequisite before the system can be further loaded so that the electricity flow remains reliable and does not trigger further disruptions.

"Electricity restoration must be carried out in sequence. After the interconnection is safe, we enter the operation of the plant so that the generated supply is truly optimal and can support the system reliably," he said.

Furthermore, electricity supply will be gradually distributed to the distribution network through 20 main switchyards, 558 substations, and 15,717 distribution switchyards serving the community throughout Aceh.

To support the entire recovery process, more than 1,600 PLN officers are still on standby until the post-disaster electricity recovery in Aceh can be completed.

Darmawan explained that the spirit of the Acehnese people in facing disasters became an inspiration for PLN personnel who were on duty.

"We learn from the spirit and struggle of the people of Aceh who never fade to rise from this disaster. Therefore, the PLN team never gives up because this is not only about restoring electricity supply, but this is a symbol of the fire of the Aceh people's struggle," he said.

He also explained that in a number of Aceh areas there were still mud and water puddles after the disaster, so that the normalization of the electricity network was carried out with caution so as not to endanger the community.

Not only that, Darmawan also apologized and asked for support from the Acehnese people in efforts to restore electricity.

"We understand very well the inconvenience felt by the community after the disaster. In this condition, we apologize. We ask for prayers and support from the people of Aceh so that all stages of electricity restoration can be completed safely and quickly," said Darmawan.