Parts of Sumatra Plunged into Darkness, and the International MTQ at Istiqlal

Jakarta, ANTARA — A series of Friday late-breaking and human-interest news items that attracted readers and are still worth noting this morning range from areas of Sumatra plunged into total darkness to the International Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) at Istiqlal Mosque. The stories are as follows:

1. PLN: Total blackout in Central and Northern Sumatra

PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) said there is a total power outage in Central and Northern Sumatra due to a system fault, plunging the region into darkness since 18:45 Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on Friday. I Komang Gede Sastrawan, Manager of Communications for the Riau and Islands Distribution Unit, said an inspection of the electrical system fault is currently underway in the Riau region and surrounding areas since 18:44 WIB.

2. BPOM traces 22 herbal medicines containing hazardous substances, mostly stamina boosters

BPOM found 22 brands of Obat Bahan Alam (OBA) that were confirmed to contain Bahan Kimia Obat (BKO) in the March 2026 surveillance period, 13 of which are stamina-boosting products for men. Taruna Ikrar, BPOM’s head, said in Jakarta on Friday that six brands were muscle-relief products, one brand a body mass gain supplement, and two brands itch-relief products containing BKO. Substances detected in the 22 products include sildenafil, tadalafil, nortadalafil, paracetamol, methyltestosterone, dexamethasone and miconazole.

3. BGN: No infant formula under the MBG programme for babies aged 0–6 months

Dadan Hindayana, head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), emphasised that the narrative claiming the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme distributes infant formula broadly should be corrected, as there is no provision of infant formula in MBG for babies aged 0–6 months. He explained that BGN’s policy adheres to World Health Organization (WHO) principles and national regulations that protect exclusive breastfeeding.

4. Missing hajj pilgrim in Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Firdaus, found deceased

Indonesian hajj pilgrim Muhammad Firdaus from the Jakarta-Pondok Gede embarkation (JKG) Group 27, who had previously been reported missing, was found deceased in Mecca. “Based on reports from the field team and coordination with Saudi authorities, Mr Muhammad Firdaus was found deceased,” said Moh. Hasan Afandi, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Mecca, on Friday.

5. The International MTQ at Istiqlal Mosque will be attended by nine countries

Said Aldi Al Idrus, President of World Muslim Youth, said the Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) International organised by World Muslim Youth at Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, from 23–25 May 2026, will be attended by participants from nine countries and 28 Indonesian provinces. Said Aldi added that the event marks an important moment to strengthen Islamic brotherhood and the unity of Muslim youth from various countries.