Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Government of Indonesia accelerates the recovery of electricity, fuel, and LPG access in disaster-affected provinces across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. President Prabowo Subianto directs the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to restore energy services more rapidly following severe hydrometeorological disasters that disrupted critical infrastructure.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia reports that power restoration in North Sumatra—specifically in Tapanuli Tengah, Tapanuli Selatan, and Sibolga—has begun to show gradual improvement. He states that electricity in the region is expected to fully return by Friday night or no later than Saturday.
In Aceh, the ministry works to repair transmission towers that collapsed after severe flooding cut power supply from the PLTMG Arun facility. Bahlil assures the President that electricity in Aceh is projected to be fully restored by Saturday.
Fuel supply remains adequate for the next seven to eight days, although land-route disruptions have hindered distribution. The Government reroutes fuel delivery using jerrycans and tankers via sea and air to reach isolated areas. Several gas stations have resumed operations, yet long queues persist. To ease distribution, the ministry temporarily relaxes barcode requirements for Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra until conditions normalize.
LPG distribution also resumes, though not at full capacity. Deliveries for Sibolga, Tapanuli Tengah, and Tapanuli Selatan—previously supplied from Dumai—are redirected from West Sumatra to ensure faster access. According to regional authorities, fuel distribution in Tapanuli Tengah has recovered up to 60 percent.
The Government additionally initiates a comprehensive evaluation of mining activities suspected of contributing to the flash floods. Bahlil confirms that any mining permits found to violate environmental or operational standards will face strict sanctions. (*)
