Recurring Power Outages Show Weakness in PLN's Energy Supply Chain Management

Recurrent power outages across Java have exposed significant flaws in PT PLN (Persero)'s energy supply chain management and risk mitigation strategies, according to energy observers. These repeated disruptions suggest that the problems are not merely technical but also rooted in the company's overall governance of the national electricity system.

Kaharuddin, an energy observer from the Coalition for People's Energy, stated that the state electricity company should anticipate potential disruptions to ensure reliable power supply, which is crucial for economic and daily life. "The recurring outages indicate a more fundamental issue in managing the electricity system," Kaharuddin said. "We need to evaluate not only technical glitches but also the company's ability to maintain the energy supply chain and ensure system reliability."

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The recurring outages indicate a more fundamental issue in managing the electricity system. We need to evaluate not only technical glitches but also the company's ability to maintain the energy supply chain and ensure system reliability.

He argued that disruptions in primary energy supply or power plant outages should be preventable through meticulous planning and robust risk management. As Indonesia's largest electricity system operator, PLN is expected to have mitigation measures that minimize public impact. While acknowledging PLN management's apologies, Kaharuddin stressed that the public needs assurance that such issues will not recur. "Apologies are important, but resolving the root cause is more critical. The public needs service certainty, not just explanations after the fact," he added.

The situation has led to calls for a thorough evaluation of PLN's board of directors and their policies, particularly those implemented by CEO Darmawan Prasodjo. Kaharuddin emphasized that electricity is not just a commodity but a strategic infrastructure supporting households, education, healthcare, industry, and small businesses. Consequently, any supply disruption carries wide-ranging social and economic consequences, affecting productivity, public services, and economic activities. He urged the government and PLN's shareholders to conduct a comprehensive review of the company's performance, focusing on its management's capacity to safeguard the national electricity system against various potential threats.

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Apologies are important, but resolving the root cause is more critical. The public needs service certainty, not just explanations after the fact.