Blackout hits vast area

JAKARTA (JP): Vast areas in western and southern parts of the capital, including several spots in Tangerang, experienced a blackout lasting a few minutes on Friday evening.

A staffer at the state electricity company PT PLN complaints center confirmed the problem, saying it was caused by significant disturbances at power relay stations in the respective areas.

The blackout occurred at 9:10 p.m. and in most parts lasted less than 10 minutes.

According to the staffer, the disrupted relay stations included those located at Senayan, Kebon Jeruk, Kembangan and Tangerang.

"So far we have yet to identify the real cause of the problem and our personnel have been deployed to find the cause," he said.

He said the blackout may have affected a wider area.

Earlier this week, PT PLN president Kuntoro Mangkusubroto warned that Java and Bali could suffer a power crisis in 2003, as there would be not enough power supply for these areas because the existing power plants could not meet the high demand. (dja)