Wednesday, 10 June 2026

North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution Demands Accountability from PLN Over Rolling Blackouts

AHMAD ZULFIKAR SAGALA - Monday, 08 June 2026 12:00

PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication And Informatrics Office

INPECTION AT PLN UP2B SUMBAGUT: Governor Bobby Nasution visits the office in Medan and criticizes management over rolling blackouts affecting residents.

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has strongly criticized state electricity company PT PLN, urging greater accountability and transparency over ongoing rolling blackouts that have disrupted daily life and economic activity across the province.

During an inspection visit to the PLN Unit Pelaksana Pengatur Beban Sumatera Bagian Utara (UP2B Sumbagut) office on Jalan Yos Sudarso, Medan, on Monday (June 8, 2026), Bobby expressed concern over mounting public complaints, particularly from small business owners heavily impacted by the recurring outages.

"People are already complaining and suffering losses due to these rolling blackouts. Small entrepreneurs, in particular, depend on electricity for their operations. The problem is the lack of clear information about when the outages will occur, leaving the public unable to prepare," Bobby Nasution said.

He was accompanied by provincial officials from the industry, trade, energy, and communications departments.

COMPENSATIONB DEMAND: Bobby Nasution calls for customer compensation during a meeting with PLN and regional officials. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication And Informatrics Office)

Calls for Transparency and Stronger Coordination

Bobby emphasized that the public could understand emergency situations, such as damage to several transmission towers caused by extreme weather. However, he stressed that PLN must improve communication and coordination with local governments.

"If such issues occur, inform us so we can assist, or notify district and city governments so they can explain it to the public. It should not continue like this," he stated.

PLN APOLOGY: PLN UID North Sumatra General Manager Mundakhir Salman apologizes and explains accelerated repairs of 12 transmission towers. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Communication And Informatrics Office)

Compensation for Affected Customers

The governor also demanded compensation for electricity customers affected in North Sumatra. He noted that compensation does not necessarily have to be in cash but could come in the form of bill reductions or credits for prepaid electricity users.

"PLN can determine the amount of compensation, but it must be given. If we delay payments even slightly, sanctions are imposed immediately. Meanwhile, people wait two to three days for repairs," he added.

PLN UID North Sumatra General Manager Mundakhir Salman issued an apology on behalf of the company and explained that efforts are underway to urgently repair 12 damaged high-voltage transmission towers. He also stated that compensation proposals would be forwarded to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta, as the decision lies at the central level.

The utility aims to fully restore electricity supply within the next two to three days. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala