Aceh’s Power Grid Restoration Entering Critical Phase With Military Airlifts and PLN Emergency Infrastructure Deployment

Efforts to restore electricity in Aceh following severe flash floods and landslides are being rapidly intensified through coordinated action by the central government, the Aceh Provincial Government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and state utility company PLN.

During a coordination visit on 29 November, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, Iskandar Muda Regional Military Commander Major General Joko Hadi Susilo, and PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo reviewed progress and outlined immediate priorities for accelerating electricity recovery.

Logistics, Mobility, and Rapid Response Prioritized

Minister Sjafrie emphasized that logistical aid and electricity restoration remain the government’s top priorities, especially for communities still isolated due to damaged roads and disrupted communication lines.

“The first step is to strengthen air mobility. We are concentrating on all logistics. Electricity must be restored quickly. We will increase the number of helicopters. Land and air evacuations must be accelerated,” he stated.

He also confirmed that TNI assets—air, land, and sea—are being mobilized to deliver essential supplies such as food, clothing, and medicine to impacted regions.

Home Affairs Ministry Deploys Special Team

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian announced the deployment of a dedicated team to Aceh to support rapid response coordination.

“This electricity supply is crucial. Together with the local government, TNI, Polri, and PLN, we are expediting recovery efforts to ensure affected communities can access electricity as soon as possible,” he said.

PLN Mobilizes Nationwide Resources

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo confirmed that PLN has mobilized personnel and technical resources from across Indonesia, following direct instructions from the President to prioritize disaster recovery in Aceh.

Under cross-agency coordination, PLN is working closely with Kodam Iskandar Muda, the Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base, Aceh Police, and the Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).

A key component of the recovery effort includes the airlifting of emergency tower units from Jakarta to Banda Aceh using Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) Hercules aircraft. Additional materials are being transported by land and sea with support from the Indonesian Army and Polri.

Due to inaccessible terrain, helicopters have been deployed to deliver critical tower components, with TNI personnel establishing temporary helipads in remote locations.

Communication, Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Support Strengthened

Darmawan acknowledged Polri’s assistance in maintaining communication lines during outages, and TNI’s role in clearing access routes and transporting essential materials. He also highlighted the establishment of joint posts, public kitchens, and support facilities as part of a broader humanitarian response.

“We had to use helicopters to bring materials to the site. A helipad needed to be opened, and troops from TNI and Polri were there to assist. This unity has been a major strength in accelerating the recovery process,” Darmawan said.

He added that “all components of Indonesia’s strength are working together,” expressing hope that collective efforts would enable Aceh to recover quickly.