Prabowo-Gibran Government Ensures Energy Availability During Christmas and New Year
By: Bobby Prasetyo )*
As the fourth most populous country in the world, Indonesia has an ever-increasing need for energy, especially during important moments such as Christmas and New Year (Nataru). At this moment, energy needs increase significantly due to increased community activities, both for transportation, celebrations, and household consumption. The Prabowo-Gibran government, through cross-sector synergy, has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring energy security during this period.
One of the strategic steps taken is to strengthen the readiness of national oil refineries. Subholding Refining & Petrochemical PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (PT KPI) Kilang Dumai, has taken an important role in maintaining energy stability. Area Manager Communication, Relations, & CSR PT KPI Kilang Dumai, Agustiawan said that his party has formed a special Task Force (Satgas) to oversee refinery operations. His party ensures that refinery operations run reliably without obstacles, according to targets, and continue to prioritize safety aspects.
Dumai Refinery also ensures that infrastructure and energy distribution are in optimal condition. This effort is very crucial considering that oil refineries produce fuel that is the lifeblood of transportation and community activities. With strict supervision, PT KPI ensures that high-quality energy products can be distributed evenly throughout Indonesia.
Not only the Dumai Refinery, the Balikpapan Refinery which has a production capacity of 260 to 360 thousand barrels per day also took similar steps. HSSE Manager of PT KPI RU V Balikpapan, Binsar Butar Butar said that this refinery meets around 25 percent of national energy needs. According to him, if there is a disruption at the Balikpapan Refinery, the potential impact on the national energy supply is very large. Therefore, security for the operation of this refinery is carried out strictly in order to maintain the stability of the energy supply.
More than just corporate responsibility, this step reflects concern for the community’s energy needs. With guaranteed energy availability, people can celebrate Christmas and New Year comfortably without worrying about energy supply disruptions.
In addition to the oil and gas sector, the government also ensures the availability of electricity during Christmas and New Year. President Director of PT PLN (Persero), Darmawan Prasodjo, said that his party had made various thorough preparations. Among them, conducting assessments and maintenance well in advance of power plants, primary energy supply, transmission, distribution, and all other supporting systems.
PLN has deployed 81,000 personnel on standby at 1,900 posts throughout Indonesia. Not only that, supporting devices such as generators, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and Mobile Substation Units have also been prepared to deal with possible disruptions. This step ensures that the electricity supply remains stable amidst the surge in consumption during Christmas and New Year.
PLN’s commitment to maintaining energy security is also evident from the readiness of their infrastructure. From power plants to distribution networks, everything is ensured to operate optimally. The presence of standby posts in various strategic locations is a concrete form of PLN’s readiness in facing potential obstacles that may occur during this critical period.
The success in maintaining energy security during Christmas and New Year cannot be separated from the solid coordination between the government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector. The Prabowo-Gibran government has given clear direction for all related parties to work together to ensure that the community’s energy needs are met. In this context, the government is not only focused on the smooth supply of energy, but also on aspects of safety and operational sustainability.
The proactive steps taken by PT KPI and PLN are real evidence that the government is serious about maintaining national energy security. On the other hand, the community also has an important role in supporting this effort, such as by wisely using energy and complying with existing regulations.
The Prabowo-Gibran government has proven that maintaining energy security is not just a technical responsibility, but a strategic effort to provide comfort and security for all Indonesian people. With thorough preparation and consistent implementation, people can celebrate Christmas and New Year with joy without being disturbed by energy problems.
In closing, let us continue to trust the government in maintaining national energy resilience and security. The efforts made today are a manifestation of a long-term commitment to realizing an energy-independent and sustainable Indonesia. With the support of all elements of society, there is no doubt that the Prabowo-Gibran government will be able to answer the challenges of national energy needs, not only during Christmas and New Year, but also in the future.
)* Renewable energy observer at Mining Company Indonesia Karya