Indonesia Prioritizes Safety In Aceh's Post-Flood Electrification, Warns Of Risks

Jakarta – In restoring electricity to flood-ravaged Aceh, Indonesian authorities are explicitly prioritizing human safety over speed for the most vulnerable communities. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia's report to President Prabowo outlined a cautious, risk-averse strategy for villages where danger persists.

The Minister provided a clear rationale for this deliberate approach, directly linking ongoing flood conditions to serious safety hazards. He explained that in areas still inundated, activating the power network could create new life-threatening dangers for residents.

"If we force this to be electrified, it will lead to accidents in the community," Bahlil stated unequivocally during the cabinet session. This principle is shaping the operational plans of the state electricity company and disaster response teams on the ground.

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This safety directive does not mean all work has halted. Significant progress is being made on repairable infrastructure. Minister Bahlil confirmed that the installation and repair of the main substation network are advancing rapidly, with completion rates between 80% and 90%.

This progress on the grid's backbone is crucial for the next phase. Once these substations are fully operational and tested, a stable and normalized flow of electricity can be resumed from major power sources to the broader network.

For now, the focus remains on securing power for central locations where it can be safely delivered. The capital city of Banda Aceh is currently receiving approximately 60 megawatts, largely supported by temporary generators, to sustain critical operations.

The challenges are multifaceted. Beyond standing water, repair crews face broken low-voltage poles and inaccessible roads. These conditions make the physical work of restoration slow and methodical, even without the added layer of safety protocols.

Therefore, the full restoration of Aceh's power supply is being treated as a marathon, not a sprint. The strategy involves securing key infrastructure first, allowing flooded areas to drain and become safe, and then methodically reconnecting villages only when the conditions permit.

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Aceh Recovery Community Safety Disaster Management Electrical Safety Flood Risk Infrastructure Damage Power Grid