PLN Batam Says Planned Power Cuts Are a Hoax

Batam (ANTARA) – PT PLN Batam, in the Riau Islands, has denied claims that planned power cuts would take place for three days, from 12 to 14 October 2026, after graphics circulating on social media spread the information.

PLN Batam Communications Manager Yoga Perdana Sulastama said that from Monday afternoon (12 October) into the evening, a graphic announcing three days of planned power cuts and a chain message claiming that electricity would be supplied only by the Tanjungpinang diesel power plant, leaving residents with just six hours of power, had circulated.

“PT PLN Batam confirms that all of this information is untrue (a hoax),” he said when contacted in Batam on Tuesday.

Yoga said PLN Batam had never announced planned outages for three consecutive days or imposed a six-hour limit on electricity supply, as claimed in the widely circulated messages and images.

He also said another infographic containing false information had been circulating.

“Information circulating about internet service disruptions caused by damage to the Singapore–Batam undersea cable is unrelated to any disruption to, or restoration work on, PLN Batam’s electricity system,” he said.

The public and customers were urged to check official updates regularly through PLN Batam’s communication channels: Instagram @ptplnbatam, Facebook PT PLN Batam, the contact centre on (0778) 5702 123, and the bright by PLN Batam app.

“Make sure the information you receive comes from PLN Batam’s official channels, and avoid spreading unverified information,” Yoga added.

PT PLN Batam also expressed its gratitude for the support of all parties, which had enabled the restoration process to proceed smoothly.