Enviro News Asia, Aceh — The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, visited Bireuen District, Aceh Province, on Tuesday (Dec. 2) to assess flood-damaged power infrastructure and ensure the acceleration of electricity restoration across affected areas. The government carried out the inspection to reinforce its direct presence in disaster response efforts that have impacted thousands of residents.
Bahlil inspected a damaged transmission tower along the Bireuen–Arun line, which serves as a major electricity supply route for several districts in Aceh. He instructed PLN’s technical teams to expedite repairs and maintain measurable progress, stressing the strategic importance of the corridor in restoring regional power distribution.
He thanked field personnel for their dedication and urged them to prioritize national service during the emergency. He emphasized that the difficult terrain should not hinder the completion of critical repair work.
The minister continued his visit by checking the staging area for Emergency Towers (TE) in Bireuen. He monitored the logistics mobilization process used to support the reconstruction of the damaged transmission infrastructure. He highlighted the need for optimized material deployment to keep recovery operations on schedule.
Beyond energy infrastructure, Bahlil visited relief posts and evacuation centers in surrounding districts. He distributed humanitarian aid and ensured that basic needs for displaced families were met. The government continues to coordinate with local authorities to maintain rapid and safe disaster response measures.
Bahlil also inspected several flooded residential areas to confirm that power recovery efforts run in parallel with humanitarian actions. He noted that electricity and fuel remain the most vital needs during the emergency and must be restored immediately.
PLN announced plans to install emergency towers capable of being built within two days to restore supply from the Arun and Naganraya power plants. Cable reconnection will follow. Electricity in Banda Aceh and western Aceh is expected to be restored by Friday (Dec. 5) or Saturday (Dec. 6).
PLN data shows that 12 transmission towers on several 150 kV SUTT lines were damaged, including the Bireuen–Arun, Brandan–Langsa, and Peusangan–Bireuen routes. The damage disrupted electricity across Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar, Pidie, Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, Aceh Utara, Lhokseumawe, Bener Meriah, Aceh Tengah, Aceh Timur, Langsa, Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Selatan, and Aceh Singkil.
Restoration progress continues to show improvement. Of the 263 feeders that went out of service, 153 feeders (58.2%) have been restored. Meanwhile, 6,844 of 9,669 distribution substations (70.8%) are back online. Recovery has restored 173.05 MW of electricity (69.8%), allowing 727,735 customers (69.7%) to regain power.
To address fuel shortages and long queues at gas stations, the ESDM Ministry will temporarily relax fuel purchase regulations in disaster-affected regions. Residents in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra will not be required to use digital barcodes for fuel purchases.
Fuel delivery continues via sea and air using drums, as several land routes remain inaccessible. The ministry is working with the Public Works Ministry to reopen blocked roads. Bahlil stated that fuel supplies remain available but cannot reach communities due to extreme access disruptions.
The government urges residents to remain vigilant against extreme weather and to follow official advisories. The ESDM Ministry affirmed its commitment to accelerating full recovery so that social and economic activities in Aceh can resume safely. (*)
