President Prabowo Subianto Orders Swift Restoration of Energy Services in Disaster-Hit Aceh, North Sumatera, and West Sumatera

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, delivers a press statement at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday (11/4). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated the Government’s commitment to swiftly restoring energy services in disaster-affected areas in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

To that end, the President has summoned Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia to Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (11/4) to receive an updated report on the recovery of the electricity, fuel, and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) sectors.

In the electricity sector, the Minister reported that power supply in Aceh continues to be restored after flooding disrupted the transmission network from Arun.

Bahlil also said that restoration efforts are still underway in Central Tapanuli and Sibolga, which have been re-energized since yesterday although supply has not yet returned to optimal levels.

“Regarding the electricity supply in Aceh, which covers Banda Aceh, Bireuen, and some other areas supplied from Arun, the 200-megawatt system went down after high-voltage transmission lines were flooded,”  he said, adding that power has been restored and expressing hope that full electricity will be reinstated by tomorrow night or Saturday at the latest.

Regarding fuel availability, the Minister emphasized that supplies remain secure although distribution in some areas has been disrupted due to blocked roads.

To maintain supply, the Government is implementing various measures, including operating generators and diverting mobilization, he added.

“Some areas are using generators or tank supplies, and this will continue. However, in Southeast Tapanuli (Tapteng), several gasoline stations have already been already operating 24 hours a day and I’ve decided to temporarily suspend the use of barcodes in disaster-stricken areas to prevent congestion and long queues,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bahlil noted that LPG distribution has also begun to improve, although it has not yet reached optimal levels. He said that the supply patterns are now being adjusted to enhance efficiency

“The LPG for Tapteng, Nias, and Sibolga used to come from Dumai but it now has been directed to West Sumatra. West Sumatra now serves as a distribution hub, and inshaallah, if the weather is favorable, conditions will improve by Friday or Saturday,” he said.

Furthermore, the Minister underlined the President’s directive that all disaster management and recovery efforts in the energy sector continue to be carried out swiftly and efficiently.

“We continue to report on the progress, and the President has instructed us to maintain closer monitoring. We must ensure accelerated efforts, and every available resources must be used to serve the people effectively,” he concluded. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/EP)