PLN Takes Action After Sumatra Blackout

PT PLN (Persero) confirms that Sumatra’s transmission system has returned to normal. Enhanced monitoring has been implemented following the mass power outage that began at 6:44 PM WIB on Friday, 22 May.

Monitoring is being conducted intensively and coordinated directly by PLN’s President Director and the Board of Directors, who visited the Sumatra Power Transmission and Load Control Unit (UIP3BS) in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Sunday, 24 May.

“Continuous comprehensive monitoring of all operational parameters is ongoing. Real-time surveillance allows immediate response to developments on the ground, ensuring the system remains safe, stable, and optimal in meeting public electricity needs,” said PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo in a statement on Monday, 25 May 2026.

Darmawan stated that 5,579 megawatts (MW) of power supply has now been restored to 1,770 distribution networks previously affected.

“PLN is directly overseeing the restoration process on the ground, and the Sumatra electricity system is now fully normalised. The company continues to restore power to all customers,” Darmawan added.

PLN is also continuously monitoring electricity supply to public facilities such as hospitals, airports, and community service centres. This is part of prioritising the security of electricity services to ensure essential sectors can operate normally during the recovery process.

Darmawan added that all electrical parameters in Sumatra’s system are now stable and operating optimally, ensuring continuous power supply for the public.

The mass power outage in Sumatra began at 6:44 PM WIB on Friday, 22 May. PLN attributed the blackout to severe weather affecting part of the island’s electricity system.

By 6:00 AM WIB on Sunday, 24 May, PLN had restored 176 affected main substations. Power supply to customers was gradually restored as part of the normalisation process.