Flores Power Generation System Back to Normal After Earthquake
The electricity generation system in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), returned to normal less than 24 hours after an earthquake shook the region. PT PLN (Persero) has confirmed that the condition of power plants and electricity supply has been restored.
PLN’s Director of Generation Management, Rizal Calvary Marimbo, directly inspected the Rangko Gas Engine Power Plant (PLTMG) in West Manggarai on Thursday (20/8) to check the condition of the plant and the readiness of electricity supply for the public. Based on the inspection results, power plant operations in Flores have returned to normal. With an available capacity of 137 megawatts (MW) and a peak load of 93 MW, the current power availability is said to be sufficient to meet the electricity needs of the people of Flores.
Rizal said that less than 24 hours after the earthquake, the major power generation system in Flores had recovered. This was the result of the rapid work of all PLN personnel who, since the earthquake occurred, carried out inspections, security measures, and restoration of affected power plants.
“Overall, the power generation system in Flores has returned to normal. Power availability is also sufficient to meet the electricity needs of the community,” said Rizal in an official statement on Friday (21/8).
Not only on the main electricity system, PLN has also restored power plants in a number of remote (isolated) areas affected by the earthquake. These include plants serving communities on Palue Island, Sikka Regency, and Golo Lebo, East Manggarai Regency, which have now been successfully repaired.
Although the generation condition has returned to normal, Rizal asked all PLN personnel to remain vigilant. He instructed that a comprehensive follow-up assessment be carried out to evaluate the condition of generation assets after the earthquake.
“Even though the power plants are back to normal operation, a thorough assessment must be carried out again. We need to ensure that every piece of equipment and generation infrastructure is truly in a safe condition and ready to face potential future disruptions,” he said.
According to Rizal, the post-earthquake evaluation should also be part of PLN’s efforts to improve the resilience of generation infrastructure, particularly in NTT, which has an archipelagic geographical character and vulnerability to natural disasters.
In addition to inspecting power plants, during this visit PLN also distributed food aid to affected residents in Tanjung Boleng Village, West Manggarai.
General Manager of PLN’s Generation Main Unit (UIK) Dwipantara, Rita Triani, said that her team carried out checks and assessments of the power plants, not only to ensure current operations but also as part of mitigation and improving future preparedness.
“Our focus is to keep the power plants safe and reliable so that the electricity needs of the people of Flores can continue to be met,” she concluded.