PLN mulls to build $100 million power line between Java and Sumatra
Wednesday, October 6 2004 - 03:55 AM WIB
In order to overcome lingering power shortage problem in South and West Sumatra provinces, the state-owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) is planning to build a power grid line, which will connect Java and Sumatra islands, the Investor Indonesia newspaper reported in its Wednesday edition.
If the government approves this project, around US$100 million investment will be needed, and it will be finished in 2007.
“Last year, we have already submitted the proposal to the government. If it is approved, the power shortages in South and West Sumatra can easily be solved by supplying power from Java. But the possible problems will be money and permission. The lead-time always be long. The construction may need just one year. This is what we are running after now,” PLN president Eddie Widiono said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
PLN is currently preparing the study report, which was asked by the National Planning Board (Bappenas), on the electricity line, Eddie said.(*)