Electricity Stability in South Sumatra at Risk of Disruption, Expert Warns of This

Jakarta, VIVA – The South Sumatra Provincial Government’s policy through Governor’s Instruction Number 500.11/004/Instruksi/Dishub/2025, which prohibits the transportation of coal across public roads, is now facing serious scrutiny from various parties. The policy, effective from 1 January 2026, is deemed not only to impact transportation smoothness but also to potentially disrupt national energy security. Economic expert from Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu, Surya Vandiantara, assesses that the policy aims to alleviate congestion and reduce infrastructure damage. However, its implementation is raising broader strategic consequences. The distribution of coal, as the primary energy source for power plants, is beginning to face significant obstacles. He emphasises that the impact of the policy is no longer potential but has already been felt on the ground. He mentions that coal distribution to at least nine Steam Power Plants (PLTU) in southern Sumatra is starting to be disrupted, even though PLTUs remain the backbone of electricity supply in the area. “This is not just a concern. Supply disruptions have already occurred and even necessitated distribution dispensations. If this situation continues, electricity supply stability is at very high risk of disruption,” he told reporters on Tuesday, 21 April 2026. He added that although the local government’s aim to maintain infrastructure quality and reduce congestion is understandable, the policy approach taken is considered insufficiently considerate of the strategic aspects of the energy sector, which have widespread impacts up to the national level. Furthermore, the policy is also deemed not fully aligned with the direction of national energy policy, which is currently promoting the acceleration of electricity sector development. The central government is currently implementing various strategic agendas, including adding around 71 gigawatts of electricity capacity in the next 10 years, full electrification of thousands of villages in the 2029–2030 period, strengthening national energy independence, and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy. In this context, the smooth distribution of primary energy sources like coal remains a fundamental pillar, especially during the energy transition period that still relies on PLTUs. “There is a policy misalignment. On one hand, the central government is pushing for a massive increase in electricity production, but on the other hand, the distribution of its main raw material is facing obstacles at the local level,” he explained.