TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A representative of the State Electricity Company (PLN) for Jakarta and Tangerang has issued an apology for residents of Central Jakarta that were affected by the ongoing disruption to electricity supplies in Karet, Bendungan Hilir, Petamburan, Petogogan, Pejompongan and Palmerah.

"The temporary disruption to electricity supply is caused by a damaged 150 KV high-voltage transmission cable," said PLN's deputy manager for communications and community relations, Roxy Swagerino, in an e-mail to Tempo earlier today.

The disruption is caused by an unauthorised excavation works on Jl. Kemanggisan that damaged one of PLN's major transmission cables. "The line is out of commission for the time being," said Roxy.

The Jakarta's Public Works Agency and PLN are coordinating to find parties responsible for the unauthorised excavation. When authorities arrived at the location, the workers had already left the premises, leaving behind their equipments. "Witnesses say the digging began yesterday evening, around 8 p.m.," added Roxy.

PLN is attempting to contain the blackouts from spreading further by diverting electricity supplies through other transmission cables in the area. PLN is mobilising a number of mobile transformer with a capacity of 30 MVA to affected areas.

AYU PRIMA SANDI