PLN accelerates coal supply to end Java's rolling blackouts
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- PT PLN is accelerating coal procurement, particularly medium-rank coal, to address power generation needs in Java.
- The company is expediting contract signings with suppliers and coordinating with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
- PLN apologizes for the rolling blackouts affecting Java and is working to improve electricity supply reliability.
PT PLN (Persero) is intensifying its coal procurement efforts, with a specific focus on medium-rank coal, to meet the electricity generation demands across Java. Darmawan Prasodjo, the President Director of PLN, stated that the company is fast-tracking contract signings with coal suppliers, especially for medium-rank coal that has already received government assignment.
We are also accelerating the signing of contracts with coal suppliers, especially medium rank coal that has already received government assignment.
PLN is engaged in continuous and intensive coordination with the Director General of Minerals and Coal (Dirjen Minerba) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. This collaboration aims to expedite the contract signing process, ensuring a smoother flow of coal to power plants. Prasodjo expressed confidence that with the allocated medium-rank coal and directives from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, PLN can improve the electricity supply process.
The company is currently channeling medium-rank coal to various steam power plants (PLTU) throughout Java. This includes PLTUs owned by PLN, its partners, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Specific power plants receiving these supplies range from PLTU Pelabuhan Ratu and PLTU Lontar in West Java to PLTU Paiton and PLTU Rembang in East Java.
With the allocation of medium rank coal and also the direction from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (Bahlil Lahadalia), PLN will make improvements so that the electricity supply process can run smoothly.
PLN has issued an apology for the rolling blackouts experienced by residents in Java, acknowledging the difficulties these power interruptions cause. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia noted that PLN's total annual coal requirement is 154 million metric tons, with contracts secured for 134 million tons, leaving a shortfall of approximately 20 million tons. To address challenges in securing medium-rank coal, a special team has been formed, and the ministry is considering revising the price for PLN's domestic market obligation (DMO) coal, currently set at $70 per ton.
We, on behalf of PT PLN (Persero), would like to apologize profusely because Java is experiencing rolling blackouts. We understand the difficulties faced by the community with this event.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.