PLN Successfully Operates Batam-Buluh Sea Cable, Now Residents Can Enjoy 24 Hours Of Electricity

Medium voltage submarine cable channel 20 kilovolts (kV) Batam Interconnection Buluh Island (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) has successfully operated a 20 kilovolt medium voltage submarine cable (kV) interconnection Batam Buluh Island. That way, now residents of Buluh Island who are in Riau Islands Province can enjoy 24-hour electricity.

The existence of the Batam-Buluh submarine cable is also part of the dedieselization program to disable diesel power plants (PLTD) which were previously a source of electricity supply on Buluh Island.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo said PLN will continue to strive to bring reliable and evenly distributed electricity to the Disadvantaged, Frontier and Outermost (3T) areas.

"This is a form of PLN's presence as part of the State in realizing social justice for all Indonesian people, presenting reliable electricity for the welfare of the community," Darmawan said in an official statement, Thursday, December 28.

Meanwhile, General Manager of PLN Riau & Riau Islands Distribution Main Unit, Agung Murdifi, explained that the electricity supply previously supplied from PLTD has now switched to supply from a more reliable and quality PLN grid system.

"With this interconnection system, PLN is increasingly determined to disable oil-fueled power plants on Buluh Island. The operation of this system is in line with PLN's commitment to support the net zero emissions program in 2060," said Agung.

Furthermore, Agung hopes that the operation of this submarine cable will not only be able to increase the reliability of electricity, but also encourage the economic growth of the people of Buluh Island.

The operation of this 1.16-kilometer-long power cable will bring fresh air to economic growth on Buluh Island. The potential for economic growth in the small, medium to large scale business sector no longer needs to worry about the reliable electricity needs for the sustainability of the production process," concluded Agung.

Strengthening The Electricity System In The Riau Islands

The Governor of the Riau Islands, H. Ansar Ahmad said that the operation of this submarine cable channel further strengthens the electricity system in the Riau Islands. Therefore, the Riau Islands Provincial Government appreciates the collaboration of PLN which continues to provide quality electricity for the community.

PLN has successfully operated a 20 kV mid-voltage submarine cable channel connecting Batam and Buluh Island. This is an effort and equity in the field of electricity. We really appreciate it and will certainly continue to build synergy and joint collaboration between the Government and PLN," said Ansar.

Meanwhile, Zaleha (51), one of the housewives on Buluh Island, expressed his gratitude for the operation of the submarine cable channel connecting the electricity system of Batam and Buluh Island.

"In the past we only enjoyed electricity for 14 hours per day, starting from 17.00 p.m. to 07.00 a.m., but now the electricity has turned on 24 hours. Thank you to PLN for realizing 24-hour electricity in our area," said Zaleha.

The same thing was conveyed by Dayang (40), a resident of Buluh Island who works as a trader on a daily basis, he expressed his gratitude for the attention of the Government and PLN to the public.

"So far, we have never felt electricity 24 hours, but now PLN's electricity continues to turn on day and night non-stop. We thank the Government and PLN for making it happen," said Dayang.