Minister Bahlil Denies Coal Shortage Caused Power Blackouts

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has stressed that the power supply disruptions or blackouts occurring in several regions were not caused by a coal shortage. The government has confirmed that the commodity supply for domestic needs remains secure and on target. Bahlil explained that the issue of limited coal stock as a trigger for the blackouts is inconsistent with facts on the ground. According to him, the domestic market obligation (DMO) for coal has reached a significant figure. “If it is said that there is a coal scarcity problem, that is not true. Our assignment has already reached 170 million tonnes,” Bahlil said during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (11/6). He revealed that the main cause of the power disruption was technical problems with several generating units. Currently, the Ministry of ESDM, together with state-owned PT PLN (Persero), continues to conduct in-depth evaluations and accelerate handling to restabilise the national electricity system. “Indeed, there are some troubles in several engines that PLN will resolve, and we will complete as soon as possible,” he added. As of Thursday evening, Bahlil admitted he was still conducting intensive coordination with PLN to find a permanent solution to this problem. He did not deny that the previous recovery process had not been optimal, but corrective measures are being accelerated so that the public is no longer affected by blackouts. “Yesterday it was indeed not optimal, but we are accelerating the recovery. We are striving so that there are no more blackouts soon,” Bahlil stressed. The government is also committed to preventing recurring blackouts or the implementation of rolling blackouts by ensuring all power plant infrastructure returns to optimal operation in the near term.