Blackout draws ire from YLKI<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Organization (YLKI)
\nyesterday urged state-owned electricity company PLN to enhance
\nits maintenance and control system at its facilities and improve
\npublic service.<\/p>\n
YLKI chairperson Tini Hadad said the massive blackout in
\nseveral areas in South Jakarta Sunday and yesterday reflected
\nPLN's failure to meet public expectations in its maintenance and
\ncontrol systems.<\/p>\n
The traditional obscure explanation to customers saying that
\nthe blackout was due to \"technical problems\" indicates that the
\ncompany's public service was poor, she said.<\/p>\n
\"If there's a technical problem, the customer service staff
\nshould also explain in more detail, such as where and why it
\nhappened,\" Tini suggested.<\/p>\n
According to PLN staffer, Budi Setiya, the blackout Sunday hit
\nCinere and Kemang and their surroundings.<\/p>\n
But Kompas daily reported yesterday that residents in other
\nareas of South Jakarta, such as Ciputat, Pamulang, Pondok Cabe
\nand Lebak Bulus also experienced blackouts during the weekend.<\/p>\n
The blackout hit some areas in the early hours of the day.
\nThey were without electricity for between two and 23 hours.<\/p>\n
Some of the locations, including Pasar Minggu and Jl.
\nFatmawati, were still experiencing a lack of power as of
\nyesterday.<\/p>\n
Complaints were telephoned to the YLKI office during the
\nblackout, said Tini.<\/p>\n
When the YLKI staff contacted PLN, they only received an
\nexplanation saying that there was a \"technical disruption in its
\nhardware\", Tini said.<\/p>\n
There was no further statement made by the firm, she said.<\/p>\n
In a hearing at the House of Representatives yesterday, PLN
\npresident Djiteng Marsudi said that the blackout was caused by
\n\"an explosion of one of its transformers at PLN's substation in
\nGandul, south of Jakarta, which later burnt the cables\".<\/p>\n
\"The repair surely needed time, so we apologize for that,\"
\nsaid Djiteng.<\/p>\n
But, Tini asked: \"How could it happen?\"<\/p>\n
According to her, PLN should have carried out adequate and
\nroutine control and maintenance to avoid such a sudden and
\nprolonged blackout.<\/p>\n
\"And please don't use that as an excuse for PLN's bad
\nservice,\" she said.<\/p>\n
Tini said that if PLN repeatedly offered similar poor service,
\nthey would have to reconsider its plan to raise electricity
\nprices.<\/p>\n
\"The bottom line is that PLN should look inside, including its
\ntechnical division and customer service staff, who often grumble
\nover the customers who were late in paying their electricity
\nbills,\" she said.<\/p>\n
The blackout was the second of this year, following the first
\nin April which hit Jakarta and most of Java and Bali causing huge
\nfinancial losses.<\/p>\n
April's blackout was later studied by YLKI, which then filed a
\nlawsuit against PLN on behalf of the public for the sake of
\ncustomer protection.<\/p>\n
The ruling has yet to be determined in the case. (04\/jsk)<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/blackout-draws-ire-from-ylki-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }