Govt guarantees enough electricity during elections

The government assured consumers Monday that there would be enough electricity supply during these months of general election as two new power plants would start operation this year.

In June this year, the Muara Tawar gas power plant in West Java will be completed, bringing an additional 870 megawatts (MW) of electricity into the Java-Madura-Bali (Jamali) grid, Purnomo told reporters.

Meanwhile, the 80-MW combined cycle power plant in Pemaron, Bali, will start operation this year, Purnomo said. He did not say exactly when.

The operation of the two plants will increase installed capacity for the Jamali grid to 16,449 MW, the minister said.

"So, the government guarantees that PLN will be able to supply enough electricity so as to help smoothen the elections," Purnomo said.

Indonesia will next month (Apr. 5) hold elections for legislative assemblies (DPR, DPD and DPRD) and presidential election on July 5.

Election campaigns involving 24 contestant parties will start on March 15. (godang)