PLN Relocates Bireuen-Takengon Electricity Line Anticipates Sinkhole

PLN is moving quickly to relocate the 150 kV Bireuen-Takengon transmission network to a safer location following the occurrence of a sinkhole landslide in Pondok Balik Village, Central Aceh Regency. (ANTARA/HO-PLN)

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) relocated the Bireuen-Takengon transmission line in response to the occurrence of a sinkhole in Pondok Balik Village, Central Aceh Regency, as a precautionary measure to protect the electricity connection to Central Aceh and Bener Meriah from the threat of landslides.

"As a risk mitigation step, PLN has secured the transmission network by relocating the line to a safer point to maintain the stability of the electricity system," said PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo in a statement confirmed by ANTARA from Jakarta, Monday, February 2.

Sinkholes are a geological phenomenon in the form of a collapsed hole in the ground that is formed due to the collapse of rock layers below the ground surface.

The landslide in Pondok Balik Village has the potential to disrupt the 150-kilovolt (kV) Bireuen-Takengon High Voltage Air Channel (SUTT) network, which is the main connection for electricity supply between Central Aceh and Bener Meriah.

PLN deployed a transmission team on Saturday (31/1), to relocate the transmission line away from the sinkhole area. The network, which was previously about 25 meters from the landslide point, he continued, was now moved to a safer location, so that now the electrical system condition has returned to a safe status.

The process of relocating the network using the emergency tower lasted for approximately 3.5 hours and was carried out with a temporary shutdown to measure safety for work and the community.

With the completion of the relocation, the electricity supply condition in the area has now returned to be safe and reliable.

PLN also expressed its appreciation for the support of stakeholders and the understanding of the community during the security process.

"This work would not have been possible without collaboration with stakeholders, for that we express our appreciation to the local government, TNI, and Polri, and thank you for the support and understanding of the community during the security process," he said.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of PLN's Distribution and Load Control Center (UIP3B) Unit for Sumatra, Amiruddin, said that the reliability of the electricity system and the sustainability of services to the community were the main priorities of PLN.

"PLN does not wait for risks to develop into disruptions. As soon as the potential danger due to landslides is detected, we immediately move to the field. The construction of these two emergency towers is a form of PLN's readiness to ensure that electricity supply remains reliable and people can carry out activities calmly," said Amiruddin.

Amiruddin added that PLN continues to carry out intensive monitoring and coordinates with relevant parties to ensure that all handling processes run safely and smoothly.

"Behind every job, there is a great responsibility to keep people's lives moving. PLN will continue to be at the forefront of ensuring that the electricity supply remains on," he said.