ESDM Denies Rolling Blackouts in Greater Jakarta Due to Coal Stock Depletion

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has denied that rolling blackouts affecting the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi areas are due to depleting coal stocks. “There is no coal shortage,” said ministry spokesperson Dwi Anggia at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Thursday.

Anggia explained that the rotating outages in the Greater Jakarta region were caused by technical disruptions. Regarding the issue, she stated the government has been in communication with state electricity firm PLN to ensure such disruptions do not recur. “If there are rumours of further blackouts, that is also untrue. It is confirmed false,” Anggia remarked.

She further emphasised that amid the ongoing approval process for the coal Work Plan and Budget, there were no issues with coal supply. “Moreover, the Minister has clearly stated there is a gradual relaxation regarding the work plan,” she added.

The statement followed blackout reports from residents in parts of Greater Jakarta, where power cuts have occurred over the past week with varying durations. Complaints were also reported beyond Greater Jakarta, including in Cianjur, Semarang, Madura, and several other regions. Speculation had arisen that the rolling blackouts stemmed from a coal supply crisis for steam power plants.

Regarding coal supply, Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government would relax coal production quotas following a commodity price surge triggered by conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.