PLN Uses Cranes as Emergency Towers in Aceh After the Disaster

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) modified heavy equipment (crane) as an emergency tower to restore the 150-kilovolt (kV) Pangkalan Brandan-Langsa transmission network. Through this innovation, the interconnection of the Sumatra-Aceh electricity system has been successfully reconnected and electricity has been safely and gradually distributed.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo explained that this step was taken because the field conditions at one of the transmission points in Aceh Tamiang had not supported the construction of an emergency tower in a short time.

"In the field, we face mud deposits, flood debris, and limited access to work. This condition makes the construction of the emergency tower foundation will take longer, so we choose a solution that is still safe so that recovery can continue," said Darmawan, Friday, December 19.

With the resumption of the Sumatra-Aceh interconnection thanks to the innovation of using cranes as emergency towers, now electricity supply has been gradually and carefully distributed to the distribution network throughout Aceh.

"In this process, we do it gradually and carefully to maintain the safety of the community, especially in areas that are still affected by water or mud puddles," concluded Darmawan.

Meanwhile, PLN System Planning and Transmission Director, Edwin Putra Nugraha explained that the use of a crane as an emergency tower was chosen as a temporary technical approach so that the transmission line could be functional again without waiting for the field conditions to fully recover. All stages of work are carried out through layered technical testing and supervision to ensure the safety of the system and the environment around the work site.

"Every step of acceleration that we take must still prioritize the reliability of the system and the safety of all parties. Therefore, every technical decision is taken quickly and based on field testing," explained Edwin.

Edwin also added that the use of cranes as emergency towers is temporary. As the soil conditions and access to work at the affected locations improve, his party will continue to build a permanent transmission tower according to electricity standards to ensure the reliability of electricity supply in the long term.

"We will continue to make maximum efforts on the ground until the restoration of Aceh electricity is completely complete and the electricity supply for all communities is reliable again," said Edwin.