Aceh's Electricity Sector Faces Challenges in Post-Flood Recovery

Current Status of Power Infrastructure

The Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, Bahlil Lahadalia, has revealed that the electricity sector in Aceh continues to face significant challenges following recent flood and landslide disasters. As of now, partial power supply in the region remains dependent on generators due to damaged infrastructure and limited access to affected areas.

Generation Capacity and Demand

The current power generation capacity in Banda Aceh stands at approximately 110 Mega Watts (MW), while the average load demand is around 66 MW. This indicates that the existing capacity is sufficient to meet current needs, but distribution remains a critical issue.

Progress in Infrastructure Restoration

Bahlil reported that the main grid infrastructure has been restored to about 80-90% capacity. Once fully restored, the power supply from Arun and Bireuen is expected to flow normally, significantly improving the electricity situation in the region. However, the restoration timeline is contingent upon overcoming current infrastructure challenges.

Challenges in Distribution

While the inter-island transmission connection between Sumatra has been established, distributing electricity to rural villages remains problematic. Severe infrastructure damage, including damaged roads, collapsed electricity poles, and ongoing flooding in some areas, continues to hinder restoration efforts. Forcing electricity supply to flooded areas could pose significant safety risks, including potential accidents.

Future Outlook

The minister expressed optimism that with continued restoration work, the electricity supply in Aceh will return to normal within a few weeks. The government is working to address the remaining infrastructure challenges to ensure reliable power distribution across the region.