Power outages in Pekanbaru cause activity disruptions and financial losses

Widespread power outages have plunged parts of Sumatra, including Riau province, into darkness since Friday night, May 22, 2026, causing significant disruption and financial losses for residents. In Pekanbaru, the provincial capital, the blackout persisted from dusk until the early hours of Saturday, with intermittent rolling blackouts continuing in various areas.

The electricity failures have had a cascading effect, halting business activities and damaging electronic equipment. Pekanbaru Mayor Agung Nugroho reported that dozens of his koi fish died due to the failure of his pond's circulation and support systems during the outage. This personal loss highlights the broader impact on households that rely on stable electricity for daily life.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been particularly hard-hit. Harris, who operates a mobile coffee cart, stated he had to cease production due to the unreliable power supply. Even when electricity briefly returned, the voltage was unstable, leading to damage to his equipment and potential for greater financial losses if the situation persists.

Elis, owner of a PlayStation rental shop in Sidomulyo Barat, was forced to close her business entirely. She expressed frustration over the repeated outages, citing them as a major impediment to her livelihood. The lack of prior notification and the recurring nature of these disruptions, often attributed to grid maintenance, have fueled public dissatisfaction. Residents are urging the relevant authorities to restore stable power and provide clear explanations for the ongoing disruptions.