El Niño Impact on Electricity Supply Felt as Far as Papua

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, explained that the impact of El Niño has caused electricity capacity to decrease in several regions across Indonesia, specifically from Sulawesi to Papua.

Bahlil noted that the movement of vessels transporting raw materials for power plants has been disrupted due to receding water levels in Papua, specifically from South Papua towards Asmat. This also affects Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTA).

“Water discharge has decreased and rivers have shrunk, which inevitably results in sub-optimal electricity generation. This is what is happening in several regions that rely on hydroelectric power. We are gradually beginning to address this; it is a condition we must manage,” Bahlil stated on Tuesday (22/09/2026).

Furthermore, the President Director of PT PLN (Persero), Darmawan Prasodjo, confirmed that electricity supply in the Sulawesi region has declined due to El Niño, which has caused droughts in rivers. This is significant as several power plants in Sulawesi rely heavily on hydroelectric power.

Darmawan explained that El Niño has reduced the capacity of hydroelectric plants, and the deficit is substantial. “For example, in southern Sulawesi, the capacity has decreased by approximately 6lar650 Megawatts (MW),” Darmawan explained on Tuesday (22/09/2026).

To mitigate this electricity shortage, PLN is immediately implementing changes and increasing supply through Solar Power Plants (PLTS) equipped with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

“Therefore, during the dry season, we can utilise additional energy from solar power plants with battery energy storage systems,” Darmawan clarified.

As for other regions facing El Niño challenges, such as Kalimantan, the issues are being addressed one by one.