Bahlil is considering giving electricity discounts in the affected areas of Sumatra.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia (Photo: VOI File)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is considering providing discounts on electricity tariffs for areas affected by flash floods and landslides such as West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia said this was done after his party received a letter from the regional head who applied for an electricity discount.

"There is a letter of request from several regional heads to us to ask for a discount on electricity in the disaster area. In principle, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will provide a discount," he said in a press conference at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Thursday, January 8.

Bahlil did not specify the amount of the discount that would be given because his party was still conducting a study to discuss the percentage of the discount and the duration of its implementation.

"We are again exercising how many months and how much it costs. So we are still calculating," continued Bahlil.

Later, this plan will be submitted to President Prabowo Subianto for further guidance.

"Because of course the President has also given us to be present in seeing the problems faced by our people," said Bahlil.

Furthermore, Bahlil also conveyed the latest news regarding the condition of electricity in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra which gradually improved. However, the Chairman of the Golkar Party said that there were still obstacles to the low voltage network infrastructure that had not been fully repaired.

"There is still low-voltage network infrastructure that has not been completed. Around 150 villages still need to be completed," said Bahlil.