Indonesia Accelerates Power Restoration in North Sumatra

Significant Progress in Electricity Recovery

The Indonesian government has made substantial progress in restoring electricity infrastructure in North Sumatra, with 83% of affected power feeders now operational. Out of 103 distribution feeders that were impacted by the outage, 85 have been restored to normal functioning. This restoration effort is part of a comprehensive response to the widespread power disruption that affected the region.

Government Relief Efforts and Policy Adjustments

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, personally visited the affected areas to oversee the recovery operations. During his visit to the Pinangsori displacement center in Central Tapanuli, Lahadalia announced a temporary relaxation of the barcode system for subsidized fuel purchases at gas stations. This measure aims to facilitate easier access to energy for the affected communities during the emergency period. The policy adjustment applies not only to North Sumatra but also to West Sumatra and Aceh.

Energy Access During Emergency Period

The decision to temporarily suspend the barcode requirement for fuel purchases at gas stations represents a pragmatic approach to addressing the immediate needs of the affected population. By easing these restrictions, the government aims to ensure that essential energy needs are met while maintaining public order and safety during the crisis. The measure is designed to be effective throughout the emergency period, providing relief to communities still recovering from the power outage.

Looking Ahead: Full Restoration Efforts

While significant progress has been made in restoring power distribution, the government remains focused on completing the restoration of the remaining affected feeders. The energy ministry is working closely with local authorities and utility companies to expedite the recovery process. The successful restoration of power infrastructure is seen as crucial not only for returning to normalcy but also for supporting the local economy and community well-being in the affected regions.