275 kV Transmission Line Break Causes Mass Power Outage in Sumatra
The Indonesian National Police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) stated there was no sabotage involved in the recent power outages in parts of Sumatra, presenting evidence of a broken transmission line that caused the widespread blackout.
Deputy Chief of Bareskrim, Inspector General Nunung Syaifudin, made the announcement during a press conference at the agency’s headquarters in South Jakarta on Monday, 25 May 2026. He revealed that a 275 kV transmission line had snapped, causing power outages in at least five provinces across Sumatra on Friday, 22 May.
Nunung stated the damaged transmission line was found by a joint team near Transmission Tower 175 and Tower 176 in Tempino Village, Mestong Subdistrict, Muaro Jambi Regency. He noted that the towers remained standing, but the lines had snapped.
‘The physical condition of the transmission towers is generally intact, with no significant structural damage found,’ he said.
The large transmission line appeared severed, with the broken ends frayed like strands. Nunung suspected technical issues and extreme weather conditions at the site caused the disruption.
‘The preliminary suspicion points to technical faults and extreme weather disrupting the electricity transmission system,’ he added.
Nunung refuted social media claims of sabotage, stating the damage to the transmission line was not neat.
‘How can we confirm it’s not sabotage? Because the damage or break in the transmission line or network isn’t neat. It’s frayed, as you can see here. If it were sabotage, the cuts would be clean,’ Nunung explained while pointing to the evidence.
The transmission line fragments have been secured by the Police Forensic Laboratory Centre (Puslabfor) for further analysis. Nunung confirmed that Sumatra’s electricity supply has been restored.
‘The electricity system in Sumatra has now been fully restored. According to official statements from PLN, power supply across the entire region has returned to 100% normal operation and is stable and safe,’ Nunung stated.