Electricity Access Returns to Normal in Flood-Hit West Kalimantan and South Kalimantan Provinces

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 025.Pers/04/SJI/2021

Date: 17 January 2021

Electricity Access Returns to Normal in Flood-Hit West Kalimantan and South Kalimantan Provinces

The Indonesian Government and state electricity company PT PLN (Persero) have continued to bring electricity access back to normal after floods hit several areas in West Kalimantan and South Kalimantan Provinces.

"PLN has reported that in West Kalimantan until 2 p.m. West Indonesian Time, as many as 23 out of 29 substations that were previously flooded have become operational and 2,014 out of 5,447 customers have again enjoyed electricity. In South Kalimantan until 5 p.m. Central Indonesian Time, a total of 867 substations have been running. Another 671 substations are still flooded, and recovery efforts are underway. Meanwhile, 43,553 customers have again had electricity access which was previously cut off," said Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) Agung Pribadi in Jakarta on Sunday (17/1).

PLN's General Manager of West Kalimantan Main Unit (UIW Kalbar), Ari Dartomo, said he had to prioritize people's safety by cutting electricity off due to high rainfall in the area. "We must prioritize safety by cutting off electricity access in stages since Thursday (14/1). When flood waters start to recede, we'll bring it back to normal in stages, too," he said.

Ari added that his staff have tried to bring electricity supply back to normal in areas where the water level has lowered. The normalization will be done in stages to ensure that electrical installations are dry and safe to deliver electricity.

In line with Ari, GM of PLN's South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan Main Unit (UIW Kalselteng), Sudirman, said that to prioritize residents' safety, PLN had to cut off electricity temporarily until the flood level lowers.

"As many as 43,553 customers have enjoyed electricity access, while another 60,694 have not," Sudirman continued.

It is expected that the number of customers with access to electricity will add when flood waters recede. (IY)

Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation

Agung Pribadi (08112213555)

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