UMKM Operators Frustrated by Power Outages, Facing 10 AM to 4 PM Blackouts

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) in Central Java are voicing strong complaints about recent power outages, which are severely disrupting their operations. Business owners are not only facing financial losses but are also deeply frustrated by the perceived lack of adequate communication from PT PLN, the state electricity company, before the blackouts occur.

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But the electricity cuts most often in the last week. Sometimes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More often, the outage is two to three hours.

Estri Pungkas Utama, a juice vendor in Batang Regency, described the situation as increasingly frequent, particularly in the last week. "But the electricity cuts most often in the last week. Sometimes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More often, the outage is two to three hours," she stated. These disruptions halt her business entirely, leading to lost income. "I, as a seller, am clearly disappointed. So, you could say it's a loss, because what should have been earning money isn't happening," Estri explained.

The lack of advance notice is a major point of contention. "For this electricity, what's actually going on? Why are there continuous rolling blackouts? We are small people who pay taxes extravagantly but are made to struggle to make a living just to survive," she lamented.

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I, as a seller, am clearly disappointed. So, you could say it's a loss, because what should have been earning money isn't happening.

The ongoing power cuts are creating significant hardship for UMKM owners who rely on consistent electricity to operate their businesses and sustain their livelihoods. The unpredictable nature of the outages, coupled with the insufficient notification, exacerbates their difficulties in planning and maintaining their income.

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For this electricity, what's actually going on? Why are there continuous rolling blackouts? We are small people who pay taxes extravagantly but are made to struggle to make a living just to survive.