Blackouts Hit Jakarta as PLN Turns Off 130 Power Substations

Jakarta Globe, January 13, 2014.


Blackouts have been reported in a number of areas in Jakarta after state electricity firm PLN announced on Monday it was turning off 130 of its electrical substations in the capital due to flooding.

“PLN is trying to ensure the safety of its customers by turning off the electricity,” Rozy Swagerino, the deputy manager for communications with the Jakarta-Tangerang office of PLN, said in a press statement on Monday.

“We’re doing this for the sake of our customers’ safety.”

Among the areas affected by blackouts are Menteng in Central Jakarta, Jatinegara, Pondok Gede and Kramat Jati in East Jakarta, Bulungan and Lenteng Agung in South Jakarta, and Kebon Jeruk and Cengkarang in West Jakarta.

Some areas in the satellite city of Tangerang were also affected by blackouts, including Bintaro and Cikokol.

Floods have been reported in a number of areas in Jakarta as torrential rains soaked the city Sunday into Monday, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents.

Rozy reminded people whose houses were inundated by floods to turn off circuit breakers and all other electrical equipment by taking out plugs from electrical outlets to prevent both fires and electric shocks.

“After the floods recede and it’s safe again, dry all wet electrical apparatuses before using them again,” he said.



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