Bad timing for blackouts

Bad timing for blackouts

JAMBI, Jambi: Frequent blackouts have affected the way people observe the Ramadhan fasting month, because they come either before the breaking of the fast or during the evening when many Moslems are performing the taraweh (evening) prayers.

Warasdi, head of the Indonesian Consumer Foundation's local office, said many people who became fed up with the blackouts before the breaking of the fast unintentionally swore, which technically annuls their fast, Antara reported.

Blackouts during taraweh also put people off taking part in the mass evening prayers at mosques, he said.

He said he has conveyed the complaint to the authorities.

The Jambi branch of PLN, the state electricity company, stated the blackouts were occurring because two diesel plants are repeatedly breaking down. (emb)