Sumatra Blackout Not Due to Coal Shortage, Experts Say

A widespread power outage has affected numerous regions across Sumatra, Indonesia, stemming from a disruption in the 275 kV Extra High Voltage Overhead Line (SUTET) transmission system. The affected segment, running between Lubuk Linggau and Lahat in South Sumatra, experienced issues initially attributed to lightning strikes and tree-related network interference. This imbalance in the electrical system had cascading effects, impacting power supply in South Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu, Lampung, West Sumatra, Riau, North Sumatra, and as far as Aceh.

However, the Indonesian Association of Mining Professionals (Perhapi) has asserted that the blackout was not caused by a shortage of coal supply or stock for power generation. According to Perhapi Chairman Sudirman Widhy Hartono, the Domestic Market Obligation (DMO) and assignments from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources ensure sufficient coal availability for PT PLN (Persero), the state electricity company.

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Based on the reports we received, there should be no problem with the coal stock.

Sudirman stated that checks with several coal mining companies confirmed that production continues to meet DMO obligations. "Based on the reports we received, there should be no problem with the coal stock," Sudirman told Republika on Friday. He emphasized that the issue likely stems from factors other than fuel availability.

"So, the cause of the power outage is likely not from problems with coal stock or supply, but due to other issues that need to be further explained by PLN," Sudirman added. This suggests that while the transmission system experienced a critical failure, the underlying cause requires further investigation by PLN beyond the readily available fuel supply.

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So, the cause of the power outage is likely not from problems with coal stock or supply, but due to other issues that need to be further explained by PLN.