Residents in Aceh and West Sumatra Rely on Candles for Lighting Amid Power Cuts

Parts of Aceh and West Sumatra are experiencing rolling power cuts due to disruptions to the 275 kV extra-high voltage transmission line (SUTET) system that crosses Sumatra, as of Saturday 23 May 2026.

In Suak Raya Village, Johan Pahlawan District, Aceh Barat, residents and children are using traditional lamps to light their homes during the blackouts. Meanwhile, in Nagari Kasang, Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, merchants are relying on candles for illumination to continue their business activities amidst the ongoing rolling blackouts affecting various districts in the region.