Aceh Power Grid Repairs Near Completion, Full Restoration Hinges On Local Infrastructure

Jakarta – The restoration of Aceh's electricity supply is advancing on two distinct fronts, as revealed in a cabinet report by Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. While high-voltage transmission infrastructure is being rapidly repaired, the devastation at the local village level continues to prevent a comprehensive return of power, creating a stark disparity in recovery.

Minister Bahlil informed President Prabowo Subianto that the critical work on main substations, which are hubs for distributing electricity across the region, is now largely finished. This technical milestone is essential for re-establishing the backbone of the province's power network.

The Minister provided a specific timeline for this phase of the project, targeting the middle of the current week for finalization. The completion will enable power to flow normally from major generation points like Arun and Bireun and integrate Aceh back into the wider Sumatra transmission grid.

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Currently, the operational focus is on supplying the capital. Banda Aceh is receiving about 60 MW of electricity, a figure made possible primarily through the use of mobilized generator sets. This temporary measure underscores the continued gap between available generation capacity and a fully functional grid.

Beyond the substations, the scale of the challenge becomes clear. Bahlil reported that extensive damage to the last-mile infrastructure—specifically low-voltage power poles—is a major blocking point. Many of these poles were toppled by the floods, and replacing them is a logistical undertaking.

Accessibility remains a severe constraint for repair crews. Numerous roads leading to affected villages are still damaged or completely blocked, hindering the transport of personnel, equipment, and materials necessary to rebuild the local distribution lines.

The Minister stressed that in areas where floodwaters have not receded, restoring power is not just difficult but dangerous. Supplying electricity to submerged or water-logged communities poses a severe risk of electrocution and further tragedy, forcing authorities to wait for waters to subside.

Consequently, the restoration of electricity in Aceh is proceeding in a phased manner. The immediate priority is stabilizing the core grid and key urban centers, while the return of power to every village is contingent on broader flood recovery and localized reconstruction efforts.

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Aceh Power Restoration Bahlil Lahadalia Energy Crisis Flood Damage Grid Infrastructure Indonesia Disaster Response Substation Repair