TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State-run electricity company PLN is forced to temporarily shut down a total of 1,612 substations affected by flooding in Jakarta, West Java, and Banten.

"We have stopped the electricity service until it is ready to operate for the sake of the people's safety," said Executive Vice President of PLN's Corporate Communication and CSR I Made Suprateka in a press release on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

The electricity substations that had been shut down are located in Jakarta (868 substations), West Java (711 substations), and Banten (43 substations). A total of 43 substations have been reactivated as the flooding has subsided and conditions were declared safe to resume electricity services.

Jakarta areas affected by the blackout are Pondok Kopi, Cempaka Putih, Menteng, Pondok Gede, Bandengan, Cengkareng, Lenteng Agung, Kramatjati, Jatinegara, Ciracas, Kebun Jeruk, Bintaro, Bulungan, and Marunda.

Other locations are Bekasi, Karawang, Purwakarta, Cikarang, and Gunung Putri in West Java, as well as Cikupa, Teluk Naga, and Serpong in Banten.

Made called on the people to turn off their miniature circuit breakers (MCB) and plug off all electric devices from power sockets. He also advised them to place devices on safe, high surfaces. For those people affected by flooding and the electricity had not been shut down, Made suggested to immediately call the PLN's service center at PLN 123, contact via PLN Mobile, or visit nearby PLN office.

Made explained that when the flood had subsided, PLN will not immediately turn on the substations without ensuring that the substations, the electricity networks, and the customer's electricity installations are safe.

"[When the power is back up], before turning on the electricity, please be careful. Make sure all electric appliances are completely clean and dry," Made underlined.

EKO WAHYUDI