PLN Reveals Java Power Outages Caused by Coal Supply Issues

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo has revealed the cause of the frequent rolling blackouts occurring recently on the island of Java, citing issues related to coal supply.

According to reports, the shortage involves medium-range coal. Darmawan stated that efforts are currently underway to accelerate the contract signing process with coal suppliers who have been assigned by the government.

“At this moment, the distribution process for medium-range coal is beginning to flow to coal-fired power plants (PLTU) across Java, including those owned by PLN as well as those owned by our partners or Independent Power Producers (IPP),” Darmawan explained.

Darmawan noted that PLN is receiving support from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), including Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, the Directorate General of Electricity, and the Directorate General of Mineral and Coal (Minerba), to overcome these coal supply challenges.

The process of restoring coal supplies is being conducted in coordination with the Directorate General of Minerba to ensure that medium-range coal can be promptly distributed to power plants.

In addition to the coal issues, Darmawan also revealed that PLN is facing technical disruptions at two large IPP-owned power plants, which have forced them to disconnect from the Java electricity system.

“In this situation, we are also facing the challenge of technical constraints at two large power plants in Java owned and operated by our partners; two independent power producers have experienced technical disturbances and were forced to exit the Java electricity system,” Darmawan clarified.

Regarding the rolling blackouts on the island of Java, Darmawan offered an apology and emphasised that PLN teams are working day and night to resolve the disruptions.

“For that, once again, we sincerely apologise for the disruptions resulting in rolling blackouts in Java. We are working all-out, day and night, so that all these issues can be resolved as soon as possible,” Darmawan concluded.