PLN Reveals Causes of Rolling Blackouts in Java

PT PLN (Persero) President Director Darmawan Prasodjo has disclosed that the rolling blackouts affecting several areas on Java Island were triggered by technical disruptions at two large power plants owned by independent power producers (IPP). According to Darmawan, both plants experienced faults, forcing them to exit the Java electricity system. “We are also facing the challenge of technical constraints at two major power plants in Java owned and operated by our partners,” Darmawan said during a press conference on Friday, 19 June 2026. He stated that PLN has deployed a joint team with the managers of the two plants to accelerate the repair process so the plants can promptly resume operations and supply electricity to the Java grid. Darmawan also apologised to the public for the disruption causing rolling blackouts in several regions. He said PLN is working flat out to restore the electricity system’s condition. “Once again, we apologise profusely for the disruption resulting in rolling blackouts in Java. We are working all out, day and night, so that all these disruptions can be resolved immediately,” Darmawan said. Regarding the disruption at the two plants, Tempo requested further explanation from PLN’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications and TJSL, Gregorius Adi Trianto. As of the writing of this report, he had not yet responded to the confirmation request sent via his mobile phone number. Rolling blackouts occurred from 8 June to 19 June 2026 across parts of Java Island. Based on Tempo’s records, power outages have occurred in various areas across all provinces on Java Island, including Jakarta. Most recently, blackouts were reported in several areas of Yogyakarta, Bekasi City, and Serpong, South Tangerang, Banten, on Friday, 19 June 2026. Previously, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia stated that a shortage of medium-grade coal supply was the trigger for power outages in parts of Java. Bahlil explained that the limited coal supply prevented several plants from generating electricity optimally. Bahlil claimed the issue is linked to the significant gap between the coal price for domestic needs, or domestic market obligation (DMO), and the market price. Currently, coal for PLN is sold at a DMO price of US$70 per tonne, while the Coal Reference Price (HBA) for the first period of June 2026 reached US$121.83 per tonne for 6,322 kcal/kg coal and US$84.53 per tonne for medium-grade 5,300 kcal/kg coal. “So, the selling price to PLN for the companies is already non-existent. That is the problem,” Bahlil said during a working meeting with Commission XII of the House of Representatives on Monday, 15 June 2026. Besides the DMO price factor, Executive Director of the Indonesian Coal Mining Association (APBI) Gita Mahyarani assessed there are other fundamental issues affecting coal availability for power plants. According to her, one cause is the coal production cut policy through the 2026 Work Plan and Budget (RKAB), which limits producers’ flexibility. “Moreover, production is currently in the process of adjustment through the RKAB, so the flexibility space for producers is not as large as before,” Gita said.