Aceh. Recovery efforts to restore electricity in Aceh following devastating flash floods and landslides are being fast-tracked through cross-sector collaboration. The central government, the Aceh provincial government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police, and state electricity company PLN are working together to ensure emergency response efforts run effectively so electricity services for affected residents can be restored as soon as possible.

Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin highlighted the urgency of deploying logistics, noting that many areas remain isolated and in critical need of aid.

“The government’s top priority is the distribution of logistics — food, clothing, and medicines. All assistance will be delivered using TNI’s assets to the affected areas,” he said.

Sjafrie stressed that accelerating power recovery is essential for residents in impacted regions. He praised PLN’s swift action on the ground while urging further optimization.

“Our first step is strengthening air mobility. We are concentrating logistics efforts. Electricity must return in a short time. We will deploy additional helicopters. Both land and air evacuation must be accelerated,” he added.

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian also deployed a special task force to the affected areas to speed up disaster response. He emphasized the importance of restoring public services — including electricity — for communities in need.

“Electricity is a crucial need. Together with local governments, TNI, the National Police, and PLN, we are accelerating power recovery to ensure affected residents can resume access to electricity,” Tito said.

Aligned with the government’s direction, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo confirmed that PLN has mobilized top personnel and resources from units across Indonesia to restore the electrical network as quickly as possible. PLN is also coordinating with all relevant stakeholders to expedite electrical recovery in Aceh.

“We have received directives from the President to deploy the full strength of PLN in supporting disaster recovery in Aceh. In line with the President’s instructions, we are collaborating with all parties,” Darmawan said.

One of the most critical measures includes deploying emergency transmission towers from Jakarta to Banda Aceh using Indonesian Air Force Hercules aircraft. Additional units were transported via land and sea with support from the Army and Police.

Darmawan expressed appreciation for the police’s role in maintaining communication amid network disruptions. The Army provided logistics support by transporting materials via trucks and opening access roads into areas that were nearly impossible to reach. Helicopters were even mobilized to transport tower components to locations inaccessible by land.

“We had to use helicopters to deliver materials to the site. A helipad had to be cleared, and TNI and Police troops supported the operation. This teamwork has been a tremendous force behind the speed of recovery,” Darmawan said.

Beyond infrastructure recovery, humanitarian support has also been strengthened. Emergency posts, communal kitchens, and additional supporting facilities have been established as part of a multi-agency solidarity effort.

“All components of Indonesia’s strength are moving together. With the combined effort of PLN teams, local governments, TNI, Police, and the community, we are seeing exceptional unity,” Darmawan concluded.

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