PLN Accelerates Sumatra Power System Recovery
PT PLN (Persero) is accelerating the restoration of Sumatra’s power system following a disturbance in the interconnection transmission network across the region. On Sunday (24 May 2026), PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo, along with the board of directors, visited the Sumatra Power Transmission and Load Control Unit (UIP3BS) in Pekanbaru, Riau, to oversee the system normalisation process.
PLN stated that 5,579 megawatts (MW) of power supply has been restored to 1,770 customer distribution networks previously affected by the disruption. By 6:00 AM WIB yesterday, PLN had also normalised 176 main substations affected by the widespread disruption in Sumatra’s interconnection transmission network.
‘We have been closely monitoring the normalisation process on-site, and the Sumatra power system is now fully restored. PLN continues to restore power to all customers,’ said Darmawan on Monday (25 May 2026).
He explained that the restoration process was carried out intensively since the disruption began on Friday (22 May 2026). Normalisation was conducted in stages, starting from power plants, transmission networks, substations, down to electricity distribution to the public.
After Sumatra’s transmission network was reconnected, PLN proceeded with the staged restart of power plants and system synchronisation. This process involved feeding electricity from power plants into Sumatra’s transmission system to ensure full power restoration.
‘Alhamdulillah, thanks to the relentless efforts of all field personnel and support from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and local authorities, Sumatra’s power system has now been fully restored,’ Darmawan said.
PLN prioritised securing power supply for public facilities such as hospitals, airports, and community service centres to ensure continued public services during the restoration process.
System conditions are being closely monitored through UIP3BS, the operational control centre for Sumatra’s power system. PLN ensures all operational parameters remain stable to maintain continuous electricity supply for the public.
‘We are continuously monitoring all operational parameters of the system. With real-time surveillance, any on-ground developments can be promptly addressed to ensure the system remains safe, stable, and optimal,’ Darmawan said.
In Pekanbaru, Darmawan also inspected the operations of the Tenayan Thermal Power Plant (PLTU) alongside PLN’s Generation Management Director Rizal Calvary Marimbo, Transmission and System Planning Director Edwin Nugraha Putra, and Project and Renewable Energy Management Director Suroso Isnandar.
At the same time, PLN’s Distribution Director Arsyadany Akmala Putri led restoration coordination at the South Sumatra Load Control Unit (UP2B Sumbagsel) in Palembang, South Sumatra, to ensure each stage of system normalisation proceeded safely and methodically.