Kupang, NTT, The state-owned electricity company, PT PLN, announced on Sunday that it has restored the main electricity supply in the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on Saturday, August 15. According to PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo, 11 substations (GI) impacted by the quake have been repaired and are now operating at full capacity. The power supply capacity has reached 111 megawatts, exceeding the current demand of approximately 95 megawatts and the normal load of around 105 megawatts. PLN is currently directing efforts toward repairing the distribution network, which remains disrupted due to the earthquake and associated landslides. Darmawan noted that one feeder is still affected, while multiple electricity poles have reportedly collapsed or fractured, necessitating repair or replacement. He emphasized that all available resources and personnel are being deployed to address these issues, aiming to restore electricity to the affected feeders as soon as conditions permit. Coordination with local authorities, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), and the National Police is ongoing to expedite the restoration process. F. Eko Sulistyono, General Manager of PLN’s East Nusa Tenggara Regional Main Unit (UIW), highlighted that Nagekeo and Reo districts were among the hardest hit. Personnel, materials, and equipment are being deployed extensively in these areas, with additional support ready to be mobilized if required. Sulistyono assured that PLN would continue its efforts to restore electricity to all customers, emphasizing the importance of personnel safety amidst ongoing aftershocks. In addition to addressing customer networks, PLN is also focusing on restoring electricity to critical facilities such as hospitals, airports, government offices, evacuation centers, and other public services. Sulistyono reiterated that the company would collaborate with all relevant stakeholders until full restoration is achieved, acknowledging the urgency of recovery while underscoring the necessity of maintaining safety protocols. According to PLN, nearly all customers are expected to regain electricity by Sunday, with 88 percent of customers already receiving power. Of the 59 affected feeders, 58 have resumed operations, indicating a system recovery rate of approximately 98.3 percent. Work continues in landslide-affected zones where several power poles have collapsed, requiring phased repairs before full normalization can be achieved. Darmawan expressed his condolences to the earthquake victims and affirmed PLN’s commitment to rapidly restoring power to affected communities. He was present in Labuan Bajo overseeing the disaster response, noting that PLN teams swiftly addressed power system disruptions. The utility has also supported economic and community activities post-disaster, ensuring that residents can resume their daily routines with reliable electricity. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported 47 fatalities resulting from the earthquake as of 6:48 p.m. Saturday. These casualties included 24 in Manggarai, 17 in East Manggarai, three in Sikka, one in Ngada, and one in Ende. Beyond the deceased, personnel evacuated individuals and provided medical care to those injured during the disaster. The earthquake caused extensive damage, affecting 157 homes severely, 41 moderately, and 148 lightly, totaling 346 damaged residences. Public infrastructure, including 87 educational institutions, 18 healthcare facilities, five places of worship, six government buildings, and other public structures, also sustained damage. Flores-bound flights have been disrupted following the strong earthquake, impacting transportation and further complicating recovery efforts. As PLN continues its restoration work, coordination with emergency services and local authorities remains crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of affected populations.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
ID
