Electrifying Tourism Ecosystem Acceleration, PLN Completes 3 Infrastructures In Buton

Photo: PLN Dock

JAKARTA - PT PLN (Persero) has successfully completed the construction of three electricity infrastructures in Baubau, Buton Island, Southeast Sulawesi to accelerate the Electrifying Tourism ecosystem in Indonesia.

The start of the operation of these three infrastructures is marked by the success of providing the first voltage (energize) on June 10, 2022 at 13:48 WITA.

The three infrastructures are the 150 kilo Volt (kV) PLTMG Baubau Substation (GI) with a capacity of 30 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA), the 150 kV Baubau (New) Substation (GI) with a capacity of 60 MVA and the High Voltage Air Line (SUTT) 150 kV GI PLTMG Baubau–GI Baubau (New) with a total of 32 towers along a 10.96 kilometer circuit (kms).

General Manager of PLN Sulawesi Main Development Unit (UIP), Defiar Anis said, Buton is rich in its diverse tourism potential. Starting from beach tourism and underwater charm, waterfall tourism, cultural tourism, culinary tourism to eco forest tourism.

"Not only that, Buton is also known as one of the largest natural asphalt producing areas in the world. In addition, the potential of the marine and fisheries sector is also growing. Therefore, PLN is committed to providing reliable electricity supplies to customers on Buton Island. through the construction of electricity infrastructure," he said in a statement to the media, Friday, June 17.

Defiar said that the many potentials in various sectors on Buton Island must of course be accompanied by the fulfillment of adequate electricity needs so that they can be developed to the fullest.

Therefore, the operation of these three electricity infrastructures is expected to optimize the evacuation of power from the PLTU Baruta and PLTMG Baubau, increase the reliability of the Baubau system, meet electricity needs, and support the growth of the tourism and marine sector on Buton Island.

“Previously, the evacuation of power from PLTU Baruta and PLTMG Baubau was through a 20kV system. Due to the increasing system load, with the existence of a 150 kV transmission line and GI, power distribution to the load center can be more optimal, reliable and help reduce the cost of electricity supply (BPP), "added Anis.

On the same occasion, the Manager of PLN UPP Sultra Hidbar Roberta Saragih expressed his appreciation for all parties who contributed to this achievement.

According to him, the successful development of the three electricity infrastructures is the fruit of the hard work and synergy carried out by PLN, business partners and related stakeholders.

"After this, PLN will continue the construction of the 150 kV Raha-Baubau SUTT which is one of a series of transmission lines included in the Baubau-Kendari interconnection plan," said Hidbar.