Kalimantan Electricity Still Out, Prabowo Orders Bahlil to Lower Hand

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. (Teddy VOI)

JAKARTA - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia admitted that there were still power outages in several points in Kalimantan. President Prabowo Subianto ordered Bahlil to immediately take measured steps with PLN.

This was conveyed by Bahlil after a limited meeting with President Prabowo at the Presidential Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, August 4.

"In the discussion, one of which we discussed is the PLN problem, the electricity problem," said Bahlil.

He said the government must acknowledge that there are still disruptions in electricity services, especially in several areas of Kalimantan.

"What we have to admit in some areas, especially in Kalimantan, there are still some blackout points," he said.

According to Bahlil, President Prabowo asked that the issue be handled immediately. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is asked to coordinate with PLN so that the blackout does not drag on.

"The President ordered me to immediately take measured steps with PLN so that it can be resolved properly," said Bahlil.

Bahlil said that initial information from PLN showed that the blackout in Kalimantan was not caused by a lack of energy. The problem is related to maintenance.

"According to information from PLN, it is related to maintenance. It is not a matter of energy, the energy is not a problem," he said.

He said the maintenance was also related to the main network. However, Bahlil did not specify the points of the affected areas or the number of customers who experienced a blackout.

"So there is maintenance that occurs, even some, supposedly from PLN that is related to the main network as well. But we will finish it in the near future," he said.

Apart from electricity, the limited meeting also discussed the development of world oil prices which are still dynamic. Bahlil said President Prabowo gave instructions that subsidized fuel prices would not be raised.

"The President ordered that the price of subsidized fuel should not be raised," said Bahlil.

However, the government opened room for adjustments in the price of non-subsidized fuel if the Indonesian crude oil price or ICP fell.

"But if the world ICP price falls, we who are not subsidized are also considered to be adjusted to market prices. If it falls, it will fall, don't raise it," he said.

Bahlil also reported the progress of the downstream program to President Prabowo. The discussion concerns a number of national companies that have received an extension of status from PKP2B to IUPK.

PKP2B is a Coal Mining Enterprise Work Agreement. Meanwhile, IUPK is a special mining business permit.

According to Bahlil, one of the obligations of the companies that received an extension was to carry out downstream processing.

He said President Prabowo asked that the obligation be carried out in accordance with the rules. If there are companies that do not comply, the government is asked to take measured steps.

"The President's instructions must be carried out in accordance with the rules. If someone does not carry out according to the rules, immediately take measured steps," said Bahlil.

Bahlil said that this step must be in line with Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution.