Extensive Power Outages, More Than 80,000 PLN Customers Experience Blackout

PLN officers are checking an electrical installation belonging to one of the residents. (Photo: PLN)

JAKARTA - PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) informed that the company has now disabled 337 power stations due to floods. Of that amount, 20 percent of them, or around 65 substations, have been restored because local conditions are considered safe.

As a result of the deactivation of the electricity terminal function, it was recorded that 102,045 customers were affected by the power outage, with 20,088 other customers having returned to normal. This means that more than 80,000 PLN consumers are still affected by blackouts.

This report was released by PLN based on the latest developments on Saturday, February 20 at 12.00 Western Indonesia Time.

For information, the state's electricity company previously reported that at 09.00 Western Indonesia Time, 180 substations had cut off electricity with a record that 61,320 customers were affected by the flood. This meant a spike in blackout areas in just three hours.

General Manager of PLN's Jakarta Raya Distribution Main Unit, Doddy B. Pangaribuan, said that his party did not want to compromise on the safety aspects of the community. The reason is, the electricity that remains on has the potential to pose a dangerous threat in flood conditions like this.

"Electricity will be normalized immediately when everything is dry and ready. Currently, please be patient because the safety of all of our life is the main thing," he said.

In order to minimize the impact of the blackout, Doddy called PLN to alert 72 posts with supporting equipment in the form of 103 generators, 20 UPS, 99 units of mobile substations, 12 units of detection vehicles, and 700 units of operational vehicles, and 37 rubber boats.

Meanwhile, the areas affected by the power cut were Cipinang, Cipinang Ranti, Makasar Village, Bambu Apus, Bintara, Jatiasih, Kalimalang, Pondok Gede Permai, Jatibening, Jatiwaringin, Pondok Gede. Then, Fatmawati, Kemang, Pejaten, Warung Buncit, Kalibata, Ciledug, Petukangan, Pondok Kacang, Kuningan, and Karet Tengsin.

"PLN officers still prioritize health protocols in carrying out their duties in the field. The officers are equipped with complete personal protective equipment (PPE) and implement 3M," concluded Doddy.