Rolling Blackouts Hit Regions, Bahlil Reveals 3 Main Problems
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia revealed that his ministry, together with state electricity company PT PLN (Persero), has conducted a thorough evaluation regarding the stability of the electricity system amid rolling blackouts in several regions recently. According to Bahlil, during discussions with PLN’s President Director at a meeting with President Prabowo Subianto, three main issues were identified as the government’s focus to ensure reliable electricity supply to the public. “We discussed the continuity of service stability, PLN’s service to the community, particularly concerning electricity. And together with PLN’s President Director, we dissected three problems,” Bahlil said after the meeting at the Presidential Palace on Monday. The first problem relates to gas-fired power plants. The second issue concerns the fulfilment of medium-calorie coal needs used by PLN for the blending process of fuel for steam-powered plants. The third relates to power plant maintenance. He explained that PLN’s coal requirement reaches approximately 154 million tonnes per year. Meanwhile, the Domestic Market Obligation assignment given by the Energy Ministry to mining companies reaches around 180 to 190 million tonnes per year. “What has been contracted by PLN is 134 million tonnes. Actually, the contract between PLN and businesses is 134 million for one year. Now it is only June. That should be no issue. It turns out what PLN is complaining about or requesting is medium-calorie coal for blending,” Bahlil said. Bahlil confirmed that the coal supply issue has now been resolved after the government stepped in to assist PLN and suppliers. He also asked PLN to accelerate the maintenance of several electricity facilities. “Now, we have confirmed that there are no more problems and the government has helped PLN to operate. But more than that, we are asking PLN to immediately carry out maintenance to truly provide service certainty to the public,” Bahlil stated.