PLN: Total power outage in central and northern Sumatra

Pekanbaru, ANTARA – PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) said that there is a total blackout of electricity in Central and Northern Sumatra due to a system disturbance, plunging the region into darkness since 18:45 WIB on Friday. The Communications Manager of the Riau and Islands Distribution Unit, I Komang Gede Sastrawan, said an investigation is underway into the system disturbance affecting the Riau area and surrounding regions since 18:44 WIB. ‘We apologise for the inconvenience. The preliminary information at 18:44 WIB indicates that the Northern Sumatra System – Central Sumatra is separated and Northern Sumatra is in a total blackout. The outages are still being tallied,’ he said in Pekanbaru on Friday night. He said PLN’s technical team has been deployed to the field to carry out a thorough inspection of the system and the electrical network, as well as to trace the cause of the disturbance. PLN urges the public to remain calm and not panic. Updates on the handling of the outage will be provided periodically via the PLN Mobile app and the PLN 123 Contact Center service. ‘We apologise, ladies and gentlemen. Preliminary information indicates the outage is spreading due to a system disturbance in Central and Northern Sumatra,’ he added. Meanwhile, electricity monitoring in Pekanbaru city and surrounding areas shows a total blackout. This not only leaves buildings dark but also disables traffic signals. Given the situation, residents have complained about outages at night. Moreover, the weather in Pekanbaru is hot, making it uncomfortable.