Don't Worry About Mudik with Electric Vehicles, PLN Doubles EV Charging Stations
PT PLN (Persero) has increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU) by nearly double compared to the previous year, part of the company’s efforts to improve services for holiday travellers using electric vehicles.
PLN Chief Executive Darmawan Prasodjo stated that the company has increased SPKLU by 1.8 to 2 times, particularly at rest areas along the Trans Java toll route.
He noted this expansion is driven by the growing number of electric vehicle users, with an estimated 1.6-fold increase in EV users during this year’s Eid holiday compared to last year.
In addition to increasing the number of SPKLU, the company has also upgraded charging stations that previously offered slow charging to ultra-fast charging capabilities.
“We are optimising SPKLU along the mudik routes, replacing slow charging with ultra-fast charging, and we have increased the number by 1.8 times, nearly reaching 2 times,” Darmawan said during a press conference at the BPH Migas office in Jakarta.
“We want to ensure that our people who travel home using electric vehicles can complete their journey smoothly and safely,” he added.
Prasodjo also advised mudik travellers to switch off electrical appliances before leaving home, including unplugging electric cookers and irons to ensure safe travels.
Primary Energy Supply for Power Generation
Darmawan reported that the national coal stockpile for power generation currently stands at 19 days of operational reserve (HOP), ensuring that Indonesia’s electricity system is currently in a secure condition.
Beyond coal, Darmawan stated that other primary energy sources, including petroleum fuels and natural gas, are also in adequate supply.
Natural gas supply for power generation is at 9 days of operational reserve, whilst petroleum fuel supply exceeds 9 days of operational reserve.
“Coal supply on average is above 19 days of operational reserve, gas is above 9 days, and petroleum fuel is above 9 days. The current situation is secure, especially for the holiday period,” he explained.
Darmawan revealed that the company has been preparing energy supply reliability well in advance for the Ramadan and Eid season.
Additionally, PLN has conducted maintenance of electrical infrastructure, including substations, transmission networks, and emergency command posts to prevent disruptions during the upcoming Eid holidays.
“We have completed maintenance of power plants well in advance as directed by the Minister. We have also prepared substations, transmission lines, and all emergency command posts,” he said.