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View all search resultsSumatra’s ridiculous blackout
Blaming bad weather for an island-wide power outage that left millions in the dark, state electricity monopoly PLN has proved it is quick to collect payments and fine customers but utterly powerless when it comes to accountability.
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A vendor prepares drinks for customers in the dim light of candles on May 23, 2026, during a power outage in Nagari Kasang, Padang Pariaman regency, West Sumatra. (Antara/Fitra Yogi)
S
tate electricity firm PLN needs to come up with a more sensible excuse than simply "bad weather" for the massive power outage on May 22 that crippled multiple provinces across Sumatra. The public is rightfully outraged: The company’s flimsy explanation treats consumers like easily deceived fools.
According to the public utility, the disruption originated on the 275 kilovolt Muara Bungo-Sungai Rumbai transmission network in Jambi. Yet the province reported no major natural disasters, such as flooding or earthquakes, at the time.
If true, it is deeply alarming that minor weather issues can collapse the island’s second-largest power grid, affecting Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi and parts of South Sumatra. Even laypeople can deduce that the true culprits are poor maintenance and low-quality materials.
Perhaps potential corruption and bribery also come into play, given their systemic prevalence. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and other law enforcement agencies have repeatedly uncovered graft at PLN’s highest levels.
Though the utility issued a public apology, it has completely ignored demands for appropriate compensation from consumer protection groups. The hours-long blackout caused chaos for households, factories, hospitals and government offices, tragically resulting in several fatalities.
Under Law No. 30/2009 on electricity, consumers have a right to compensation, but this is currently limited to minor bill cuts. What about the massive financial losses incurred by businesses and households?
The massive blackout highlights the devastating consequences of monopolistic practices on consumers. When a single entity controls a vital resource, the traditional dynamic between service provider and consumer is entirely broken.
