PLN and power shortages

We have read many letters written by expats complaining about the service of the local companies.

This time I would like to complain about service of foreign companies in Indonesia.

If my understanding is correct, foreign companies working with the state-owned electricity company, PLN, charge millions of dollars, offering not only know-how, but expensive machinery, equipment and all kinds of services.

I cannot understand why in Jakarta, where a new apartment or office building is built with a supply of thousands of watts almost every day there are still areas like Cilandak where the electricity output is only 160-170 Volts.

With these power levels we cannot use most electrical appliances. Either they don't work or a sudden surge to 240 Volts burns them out.

I have eight stabilizers in my house which are switched on continuously to correct the voltage and there are still power shortages and sudden surges.

For the money that they have been paid, the big foreign contractors should be able to provide the right services.

Personally I think that expats involved in electricity supply for South Jakarta should be ashamed.

ANDRZEJ JAKUBOWSKI

Jakarta