Strengthening Electricity Network In Kalimantan, PLN Uses Looping System

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) through the East Kalimantan Development Main Unit (UIP KLT) is speeding up the construction of the 150kV Batulicin–Tarjun High Voltage Air Line (SUTT) in order to improve the reliability of the electricity system in South, Central and East Kalimantan.

The construction of the 150kV Batulicin–Tarjun SUTT as a National Strategic Project (PSN) is the stage to create a looping system for the South Kalimantan and East Kalimantan networks.

It stretches for 79,765 kilometers of circuit (kms) across two regencies, namely Tanah Bumbu Regency and Kotabaru Regency. With a total of 114 towers, the construction progress currently reaches 88.18 percent.

Later, after the 150kV Batulicin–Tarjun SUTT can operate, the network looping process will continue with the construction of Tarjun–Sei Durian-Grogot.

General Manager of PLN UIP KLT Josua Simanungkalit explained that the development in South Kalimantan Province, one of which was the 150kV Batulicin–Tarjun SUTT, was carried out by the East Kalimantan 4 Project Implementing Unit (UPP Kalbagtim 4) as the work director.

Currently, said Josua, the team in the field continues to synergize with the construction contractors to be able to immediately complete the construction of the 150kV Batulicin–Tarjun SUTT through very tight supervision.

The condition of the electricity system in South Kalimantan Province, which has a grid system or interconnection with East Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, has a peak load of 1,260,5 megawatts with a capacity of 1,759.2 megawatts.

In other words, there is a power reserve of 498.7 megawatts that can be distributed to the public.

"With the availability of abundant power reserves that must be distributed evenly throughout the people of South Kalimantan and East Kalimantan, as well as the creation of a network looping system, it will increase the reliability of the existing electricity system. Because basically this looping system is to avoid blackouts," said Josua in an official statement to VOI, Tuesday, May 24.

With the condition of a reliable and adequate electricity system, continued Josua, the construction of the 150kV Batulicin–Tarjun SUTT will provide opportunities for all industries in Tanah Bumbu Regency and Kotabaru Regency to develop their businesses in South Kalimantan Province, so that they can participate in improving regional development and economy.

Moreover, considering that the areas in South Kalimantan Province are productive areas, such as the 150kV Batulicin–Tarjun SUTT route.

"This development is also carried out to prepare a reliable electricity system in order to realize equitable electricity consumption, especially with the relocation of the New State Capital to East Kalimantan," concluded Josua.