Keeping the Lights On During the Day of Victory: The Story of PLN Officers Ensuring Electricity Reliability During Eid al-Fitr
The echoes of takbir resound to welcome the arrival of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. While many families immerse themselves in the warmth of togetherness, there are those who steadfastly stand ready.
Behind the bright lights of homes, mosques, and streets that shine throughout the night of victory, tens of thousands of PLN officers stand at the forefront, ensuring electricity remains reliable and providing the public with peace of mind to celebrate Lebaran comfortably and joyfully.
For Riki Waberta (36), working during Eid al-Fitr is not a sacrifice but part of the responsibility he undertakes with full commitment. As Team Leader for Reliability at the PLN Istana Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3) Menteng, he chooses to remain on duty to ensure the electricity supply to vital state objects remains reliable.
The man from Bengkulu has postponed his homecoming to his hometown for four consecutive years. Since joining PLN in 2018, he understands that the Lebaran period is a crucial time for maintaining electricity reliability.
“We may not be visible, but we are part of the public’s happiness. When electricity remains reliable and worship proceeds peacefully, that is a special pride for us,” said Riki.
The longing for family is inevitable. However, for Riki, the task he shoulders holds greater meaning.
“There is certainly sadness in not being able to gather. But I always think, if I’m not here, who will ensure the electricity stays on for the public? They (family) always say, ‘Do your duty well, we’re proud!’ That’s what keeps me strong,” he added.
The same dedication is shown by Zahro Ardhillah (26), a PLN heroine from Pacitan, East Java. She has served PLN for three years and is now assigned to the Jayapura City Customer Service Unit (ULP) in Papua.
Together with on-standby personnel, she and her colleagues ensure the reliability of electricity in Jayapura’s main mosques, so the public can worship with devotion during the Eid al-Fitr moment.
“We have prepared backup equipment ready for use if there are sudden disruptions. All electricity networks have been checked and repaired well in advance to ensure they are in prime condition,” said Zahro.
Zahro admits the desire to gather with family is there, but maintaining electricity stability at Indonesia’s eastern tip is now her priority. For her, it also brings immeasurable happiness even though her body is far from family.
“I have learned to balance my duties as a Muslim and my work responsibilities. I feel happy when I can ensure the mosque remains lit and the public worships peacefully. Although my body is far from family, this is how I celebrate the day of victory. May my presence still be felt in their hearts through this good intention and responsibility,” Zahro revealed.
The high commitment of Riki and Zahro in maintaining electricity reliability is also carried out by Muhammad Hanif Zidan (26), a PLN employee at the Tarakan Customer Service Unit (ULP). A happy smile is always on his face whenever he is on duty from the standby post and substations in the Tarakan area, North Kalimantan.
“This is not the first time I have been placed on the standby team, and I feel very grateful to be entrusted with this. Although far from the embrace of loved ones, their support and prayers become my source of enthusiasm in carrying out my duties,” said Hanif.
For Hanif, technology becomes a bridge to maintain family warmth while he is on duty.
“Usually after prayer, I would pay respects to the family, now it’s replaced by video calls on the phone screen. It has become our commitment as PLN personnel to be present in ensuring electricity remains reliable, especially during moments like Eid al-Fitr. We want the public to be able to celebrate Lebaran comfortably,” said Hanif.
During the standby period set from 12 to 31 March 2026, PLN has mobilised around 72,000 personnel on duty at thousands of standby posts across Indonesia. These personnel remain on standby at their respective posts, ensuring the echoes of takbir continue to resound and the warmth of family hugs on the day of victory.
PLN’s President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, appreciates the high dedication shown by Riki, Zahro, Hanif, and tens of thousands of other field officers who are committed to being on standby during important moments like Eid al-Fitr.
“PLN officers are the frontline guardians in maintaining electricity reliability amid important national moments like Eid al-Fitr. We appreciate those who struggle relentlessly to ensure the day of victory remains brightly lit, and millions of families in the homeland can gather together comfortably,” said Darmawan.
Though not always visible, they continue to be present, maintaining the light from power plants, main substations, standby posts, to networks throughout the country’s corners. They are the guardians of light, silent heroes who keep Indonesia lit during the day of victory.