The power outage in Sumatra on May 22, 2026, has prompted calls to strengthen the transmission network and provide compensation to customers.
A massive power outage struck several areas in Sumatra and Aceh for more than 24 hours on May 22, 2026. The disruption was triggered by an issue on the 275 kilovolt Muara Bungo–Sungai Rumbai transmission line in Jambi due to bad weather, according to PLN CEO Darmawan Prasodjo.
Public policy observer Agus Pambagio said the blackout serves as momentum to accelerate construction of the 500 kilovolt Extra High Voltage transmission line already included in the latest RUPTL. He noted that land acquisition and cross-regional permitting processes often delay such projects.
Legal practitioner Rahmat Hidayat argued that PLN is obligated to provide compensation under the Consumer Protection Law and the Electricity Law. He questioned the weather excuse as the main cause since BMKG data showed only cloudy to light rain conditions.
