PLN CEO: Electricity restoration after Flores earthquake progressing rapidly
Depok, West Java (ANTARA) - PT PLN (Persero) President Director Darmawan Prasodjo has confirmed that restoration of the electricity system in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is proceeding rapidly to return power supply to communities affected by the earthquake that struck on Saturday morning (15/8).
Speaking at a virtual press conference on electricity readiness for the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, held in Depok, West Java, in the early hours of Sunday (16/8), Darmawan said the company moved quickly from the moment the earthquake occurred, deploying all available resources to restore the electricity system that had been affected in the Flores region.
“I am in Labuan Bajo to handle the earthquake disaster that occurred on Flores Island. The PLN team moved immediately to address the condition of the electricity system that was affected by the earthquake,” said Darmawan, speaking virtually and monitored from PLN UIP2B Jamali in Depok.
He said PLN acted swiftly to bring power plants that had gone offline back into operation in stages, so that electricity supply could be restored and support community activities after the earthquake struck the area.
A total of 11 substations that had previously been offline have been brought back into operation, accelerating the normalisation of the electricity system and maintaining the reliability of power supply for communities affected by the earthquake.
Of the 59 feeders affected, 58 have returned to operation, representing approximately 98.3 per cent system restoration.
PLN has also succeeded in restoring electricity to around 88 per cent of customers. The company is ensuring accelerated handling on the ground.
Repairs remain focused on locations affected by landslides, where a number of electricity poles collapsed, requiring phased handling so that power supply can return fully to normal for customers.
Darmawan expressed hope that almost all customers would be able to enjoy electricity services again on Sunday (16/8), as repair work continues to be carried out intensively by all PLN personnel.
PLN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the reliability of power supply through rapid response so that communities in earthquake-affected areas can promptly resume their activities with the support of a reliable and safe electricity system.
Darmawan also expressed his concern and offered prayers to communities affected by the earthquake, while assuring that PLN is working to accelerate the restoration of the electricity system.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) released preliminary data as of Saturday at 6.48 p.m. Western Indonesia Time showing that the total number of fatalities from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara Province had reached 47 people.
Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, said in an official statement in Jakarta on Saturday (15/8) that the casualties were identified in Manggarai Regency with 24 people, East Manggarai (17), Sikka (3), Ngada (1), and Ende (1).
“In addition to these casualties, officers evacuated and provided medical treatment to the injured,” he said.
Regarding the number of damaged buildings, he said a total of 157 houses suffered heavy damage, 41 suffered moderate damage, and 148 suffered light damage.
Damage also occurred to public facilities, including 87 educational facilities, 18 health facilities, five places of worship, six offices, and a number of other public facilities.