Mechanism for PLN Blackout Compensation Explained
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has affirmed that customers of PT PLN (Persero) affected by large-scale power outages remain entitled to compensation. However, the form of compensation will not be cash, but rather through a mechanism integrated into customers’ electricity payment systems.
The confirmation came after the Ministry of Trade requested an explanation from PLN regarding the company’s accountability to customers impacted by the power supply disruptions. The government stated that oversight was carried out to ensure consumers’ rights remain fulfilled in accordance with prevailing regulations.
“There is already compensation in the form of credit repayments. Compensation is not given in the form of fresh money,” said Immanuel Tarigan Sibero, Director of Consumer Empowerment at the Ministry of Trade’s Directorate General of Consumer Protection and Orderly Commerce (PKTN), at the ministry on Tuesday (28/7/2026).
He explained that the compensation will be processed through PLN’s transaction system. Under this mechanism, customers can see the refunded amount on their electricity bill payment receipts or when purchasing electricity tokens.
According to Immanuel, the Ministry of Trade has directly requested an explanation from PLN regarding the implementation of the scheme. From that coordination, PLN stated its commitment to fulfilling the rights of customers affected by the outages.
“However, PLN will later carry out the confirmation (of the compensation), because we simply summoned them and asked, ‘What is your responsibility?’ and PLN committed (to providing compensation),” he said.
The issue of compensation returned to public attention following recent large-scale power outages in various regions. Disruptions to the transmission network in Sumatra, technical problems in Kalimantan’s electricity system, and load management in parts of Java had disrupted electricity supply to the public.
“If I’m not mistaken, compensation is not given in cash. The mechanism will appear on transaction receipts or bills, for example when topping up, so there will be a note regarding the compensation,” he said.