ESDM Will Check Pakkat Hydropower Plant After Stopping Operations Due To Landslides

Director General (Dirjen) of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) Eniya Listiani Dewi. (Photo: Maria/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has confirmed that it will review and examine the Pakkat Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA). Just so you know, the hydropower plant owned by PT Kencana Energi Lestari Tbk. (KEEN) was temporarily suspended operations due to landslides.

Director General (Dirjen) of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), Eniya Listiani Dewi, said that she had not received a report regarding landslides around the Pakkat hydropower plant. However, Eniya confirmed that he would carry out further investigations.

"I don't know yet. Later (checked). I don't know the impact yet," said Eniya to the media crew, quoted on Saturday, December 6.

Earlier on Thursday, December 4, KEEN announced the termination of the operation of the Pakkat Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA). This operational suspension was caused by a landslide incident that occurred in the Pakkat hydropower project area located in Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra

Through information disclosure, TEN President Director, Wilson Meaningwi said, the landslide incident occurred on December 3, at 14.30 WIB.

"There were no casualties or injuries in this incident," said Wilson.

Wilson added, due to the landslide, the company decided to temporarily suspend the operation of the Pakkar hydropower plant. Until now, the company and related parties are still conducting further investigations and analysis to find out the extent of the impact of the incident on the Pakkat hydropower operation.

"The company is also still conducting further analysis to find out the financial impact of this incident," he continued.

However, Wilson ensured that his party would not be fined by PT PLN (Persero) because the results of the Pakkat hydropower production prior to the landslide incident had almost reached 100 percent of ECE.

"And the incident that occurred was also a force majeure as in the PPA," he explained.

Just so you know, the Pakkat hydropower plant is one of TEN's 4 hydropower projects and has been operating commercially and other company projects are still operating nationally.