Total Blackout Hits Aceh to Riau, PLN Explains

Jakarta, VIVA – Electricity networks were reported to have mass blackouts across several areas of Sumatra on Friday night, 22 May 2026. Several affected regions include Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Riau. When contacted, Executive Vice President (EVP) for Corporate Communications & TJSL of PLN, Gregorius Adi Trianto, said PLN is currently conducting an investigation into the electrical system disturbance that occurred in several areas of Sumatra. ‘Currently PLN technical teams have been deployed to the field to perform a thorough check of the electrical system and network, in order to restore supply and trace the cause of the disruption,’ Gregorius said in a written message received by VIVA on Friday night, 22 May 2026. According to circulating information, the disturbance occurred around 18.44 WIB when the SBU and SBT systems detached. This caused the Northern Sumatra system to experience a total blackout due to the disconnection of the power flow on the Rumai–Muaro Bungo 275 kV line. ‘PLN urges the public to stay calm,’ he added. It is known that PLN, in a previous statement, said that the disturbance caused the Northern Sumatra and Central Sumatra systems to be isolated from each other, resulting in power outages in several areas. ‘We apologise for the inconvenience. Preliminary information at 18.44 WIB indicates that the Northern Sumatra–Central Sumatra system was separated and Northern Sumatra was completely out,’ as quoted from PLN’s statement received in Pekanbaru, Friday night, 22 May 2026. PLN said the disturbance occurred on the transmission side of the 150 kilovolt (kV) system and generation. The technical teams are currently handling the restoration of the electrical system. ‘Our teams are working to restore the system as quickly as possible to return to normal,’ said PLN. PLN also stated that the electrical load affected by the outage is still being tallied. The company apologises to customers for the disruption experienced. As of this report, several areas in Pekanbaru City and other parts of Riau Province were still experiencing power outages. Information on the handling of the disturbance will be periodically provided via the PLN Mobile app and PLN’s Contact Center 123.