Gradual Recovery Bears Fruit, Access to Electricity and Transportation Re-energizes the Local Economy
By: Juana Syahril)*
Recovery from the floods and landslides in Aceh is showing tangible results. After a challenging emergency phase, improvements to basic infrastructure, such as electricity and transportation, are now starting to restore people’s lives. This gradual recovery has not only restored public services but has also become a key driver of local economic revival in various affected areas.
The government ensures that the recovery process is being carried out with a measured and safety-oriented approach. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that Aceh’s electricity recovery is being carried out in stages following the disaster to ensure public safety. The ongoing damage to distribution infrastructure in several areas is a key consideration in determining the stages of power restart.
Aceh’s electricity system has returned to normal. However, the government noted that four districts are still experiencing rolling blackouts because the low-voltage network has not been fully restored. Aceh Tamiang, Bener Meriah, Gayo Lues, and Central Aceh are areas that still require further attention. Nevertheless, overall energy availability is safe and sufficient.
The government emphasized that the challenges encountered were not caused by the power plant. Energy supplies are available and ready to be distributed. The main challenge lies in the physical condition of infrastructure on the ground, such as electricity poles, distribution networks, and access roads damaged by floods and landslides. In several locations, unstable soil conditions and standing water continue to hinder accelerated recovery.
A phased approach was chosen as a risk mitigation measure. The government withheld full power outages at several locations, taking public safety into consideration. This measure was taken to ensure the restoration work did not cause further impacts that could potentially endanger the public, particularly in areas where road access had not yet been fully restored.
Despite these limitations, positive developments continue to be seen. Banda Aceh has returned to normal electricity supply with a capacity of 120 megawatts, equivalent to pre-disaster levels. This recovery marks a significant return to economic activity, trade, and public services in the government center and surrounding areas.
The rolling blackouts in the remaining four districts were largely triggered by damaged roads, power poles, and towers. Some previously repaired infrastructure collapsed again due to rising water levels. Despite this, repair efforts continue intensively, involving various parties.
The government is coordinating the recovery effort, involving PLN (State Electricity Company), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and the local community. Sumatra’s electricity backbone, including the Bireuen and Arun areas, has been reconnected. With the main grid restored, the recovery is now focused on completing the low-voltage network so that electricity can safely reach all residential areas.
Aceh’s electricity restoration is also part of securing the energy sector ahead of Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026. The government is targeting full power restarts to be implemented gradually as infrastructure repairs are completed. This effort also ensures energy stability during periods of increased community activity.
Most people in Aceh now have electricity back after experiencing outages caused by flash floods and landslides. The restoration of electricity has had a direct impact on daily life, from the reopening of small and medium-sized businesses and traditional markets to education and health services.
Energy observer and Director of the Center for Public Policy Studies (PUSKEPI), Sofyano Zakaria, stated that the restoration of electricity in Aceh reflects successful technical and managerial decision-making from the early stages after the disaster. He believes that initiating recovery early, even when conditions on the ground were not yet fully conducive, was key to preventing the blackout from lasting.
The widespread impact of the disaster, from coastal areas to the highlands, disrupted not only distribution networks in residential areas but also major infrastructure between regions. This situation requires recovery efforts to be carried out in parallel at multiple strategic points, rather than sequentially.
Since the early days after the disaster, the recovery process has been underway amidst disrupted road access, thick mud, extreme weather, and the potential for further flooding. Distribution of materials and electrical equipment has been carried out through alternative routes, including air transportation, while personnel have reached isolated areas with the support of specialized transportation. Emergency towers have been erected at several key transmission points to secure the system.
As the main grid is reconnected, power is restored gradually through a process of system synchronization and stabilization. This step is necessary to ensure a secure and continuous power supply and prevent further disruptions.
Meanwhile, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that the post-disaster recovery effort is being led directly by the board of directors to ensure a swift and coordinated process. Once the system is restored, the focus will be on securing customer installations so that the public can resume their activities without risk.
This gradual recovery confirms that improving basic infrastructure is key to post-disaster regional recovery. With steadily improving access to electricity and transportation, local economic activity is revitalizing, opening new hope for a stronger and more sustainable recovery in Aceh.
)* The author is a Bogor student living in Jakarta
