ESDM Denies Rolling Blackouts Due to Depleting Coal Stocks

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has denied that rolling blackouts in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi (Jabodetabek) areas are due to depleting coal stocks. “There is no coal depletion,” said ESDM Ministry Spokesperson Dwi Anggia at the ESDM Ministry Office in Jakarta on Thursday. Anggia stated that the rolling blackouts in the Jabodetabek area were caused by technical disruptions. Regarding this issue, Anggia said the government has communicated with PLN to anticipate so that such disruptions do not recur. She also emphasised that amidst the ongoing Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) process for coal, there are no problems with coal stocks. “Moreover, the Minister (ESDM Bahlil Lahadalia) has also clearly conveyed that regarding this RKAB, there is a gradual relaxation,” she said. The statement relates to the power outages experienced by residents in parts of the Jabodetabek area. The blackouts have been occurring for a week with varying durations. Regarding the rolling blackouts, news emerged that they were caused by a crisis in coal supply to meet the needs of steam power plants (PLTU). For coal supply, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that the government will impose a relaxation of coal production quotas following the rise in commodity prices due to the war between the United States (US) and Israel with Iran.