Mustaqim Adamrah and Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Tangerang
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Busway operator TransJakarta's service will face possible disruptions during power blackouts scheduled from July 11 to July 25, says the company's operational head Rene Nunumete.
He said Tuesday the company had experienced "numerous blackouts" that left busway shelters without lights, functioning ticketing machines or sliding doors.
"Rotating blackouts apply to everyone. There's been no special treatment for public service facilities like the busways," he told reporters, adding that he has yet to receive an official announcement from state electricity firm PLN.
"Our service is affected every time PLN cuts the power supply to busway shelters."
Rene said TransJakarta would not equip busway shelters with generators needed to cope with the rotating blackouts.
"We'll use paper tickets during future blackouts, as usual," he said.
Paper tickets are in use on Corridor 4 (Pulo Gadung in East Jakarta Dukuh Atas in Central Jakarta), Corridor 5 (Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta to Ancol in North Jakarta), Corridor 6 (Ragunan in South Jakarta to Kuningan in South Jakarta) and Corridor 7 (Kampung Rambutan in East Jakarta to Kampung Melayu).
PLN Jakarta distribution manager Budi Nugroho announced last Friday the blackouts would occur every day at alternating periods, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 to 10 p.m., in Jakarta and Tangerang.
PLN Jakarta operational director Azwar Lubis on Tuesday said PLN would try to maintain power supply for public service facilities, like hospitals and the busway.
Jakarta administrative secretary Muhayat said he would meet PLN Jakarta officials today to learn the exact schedules and locations of the blackouts.
Electricity consumption in Jakarta can reach between 4,500 megawatts (MW) and 5,000 MW during peak hours, usually between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Budi said PLN had to schedule the rotating blackouts as gas supply to two of its power stations -- a 900 MW plant in Tanjung Priok and a 750 MW plant in Muara Karang, both in North Jakarta -- has been temporarily terminated.
Both stations receive gas from multinational energy giant BP, which will halt gas supply in two weeks for routine maintenance of its central flow station located offshore West Java, including the installation of a low-pressure flare tip.
Airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II's branch office head at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Haryanto, said he had asked PLN not to cut power supply to the airport as it was one of "the country's places of vital interest".
He said his office had prepared two generators for use in the event of possible power cuts.
"They're only able to supply 30 percent of the airport's electricity demand."
A complete schedule of blackouts and list of affected areas can be found at www.plnjaya.co.id
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