Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government prioritizes policies related to gas and coal in favor of PT PLN (Persero) to maintain the reliability of electricity supply, especially during religious holidays.
“ESDM Ministry prioritizes policies for PLN. There is even some gas quota for other SOE (BUMN), but we withdraw it to be transferred to PLN,” he said when reviewing supply and reliability of electricity at Customer Service Unit (ULP) of PLN Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Wednesday.
Bahlil underscored that the policy to prioritize PLN is in order that Indonesia not to import for PLN's need, but the reliability of electricity is well maintained throughout Indonesia.
“Especially during religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, we have to anticipate if electricity needs of the community or business increase,” he said.
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However, he acknowledged, during religious holidays there is usually a decrease in electricity usage on certain days or at peak of big days, because industrial activities will be closed in some areass, people also travel home, industry or businesses are closed, school are closed, and other aspects.
Thus he assured there is no increase in the burden due to eletricity usage during religious holidays, because there are days when eletricity usage decreases.
In his working visit in PLN Banjarmasin, Minister Bahlil was accompanied by President Director of PLN Darmawan Prasodjo to inspect a number of facilities and infrastructure in maintaining electricity reliability in this area, especially ahead of Eid a-Fitr.
After listening to a number of presentation by PLN President Director, Minister Bahlil appreciated the various preparation by PLN as well as facilities and infrastructure that support maintaining the reliability of electricity supply in Kalimantan, especially in South Kalimantan.
“After I check, there are no problems at all, the electrcity reliability is maintained, the network is good. I check the power plant here carefully, coal, gas, diesel fuel, all no problems. Eid is only 12 days away, everything is safe,” said Minister Bahlil.
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