Energy experts from Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) have demanded a comprehensive audit of the electricity network in Sumatra after a power outage that affected the region from May 22 to May 24, 2026. Expert Rahmat Adibrastia Alhasibi emphasized that this audit should be the first and most urgent step taken by the national electricity company (PLN) in the wake of the incident.
Rahmat pointed out that the absence of a structured technical assessment will leave the electricity system in Sumatra vulnerable to similar issues in the future. He stressed the importance of conducting a thorough audit of the current protection system and evaluating the frequency response of each generator in the network.
Details of the Incident
The power outage experienced in Sumatra had significant impacts on the daily lives of citizens, halting many business and service activities. This incident raised questions about the efficiency of the electricity system in the region, prompting experts to call for immediate measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Rahmat Adibrastia Alhasibi insisted that it is not enough for PLN to merely state that the incident will not happen again; concrete, actionable steps must follow. He highlighted the necessity of conducting a comprehensive inspection of the electricity transmission routes to ensure they are free from obstacles.
Background & Context
Historically, Sumatra has experienced several power outages, underscoring the need for improvements in electrical infrastructure. With the increasing reliance on renewable energy, it has become essential to update existing systems to meet the growing demand for energy.
Investments in advanced monitoring systems, such as the Wide Area Measurement System (WAMS), are also deemed necessary for real-time monitoring of the network's status, helping to prevent major outages in the future.
Impact & Consequences
If necessary actions are not taken, the electricity system in Sumatra will remain susceptible to recurring outages, negatively impacting the local economy and increasing the hardships faced by citizens. Additionally, instability in electricity supply could deter investments in the region.
This incident serves as a wake-up call for electricity companies in other countries, emphasizing the need for a swift and effective response to any power outage to ensure network stability.
Regional Significance
The experience of Sumatra offers important lessons for Arab countries facing similar challenges in the energy sector. As reliance on renewable energy sources increases, Arab nations must invest in improving their electricity networks to ensure sustainability.
Ultimately, there must be a comprehensive response from governments and companies to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, reflecting the importance of good planning and investment in energy infrastructure.