Indonesia's Barito Utara Regent and Youth Protestors Challenge PLN Over Rolling Blackouts

Regent H Shalahuddin of Barito Utara summoned PLN Barito Utara manager Pandu Andoka to discuss the region's recurring rolling blackouts. The regent argued that the power‑cut schedule treats his district, where gas supplies are normal, the same as areas with damaged infrastructure, calling for a more equitable approach.

In Banjarmasin, four members of the Aliansi Pemuda Banjarmasin staged a protest outside PLN's UP3 office, demanding an apology, transparency on technical damage, compensation for small businesses and a clear timetable for restoring electricity. Coordinators Mbarep Ageng and Ahmad Sunir Ridha warned that the protest could expand if PLN does not act quickly. PLN officials acknowledged the schedule is set by the central system and said they are working toward a September target for full restoration, while distributing emergency lamps to places of worship.

Both the local government and the youth alliance are pressing PLN for a transparent, fair outage plan and faster resolution to the power crisis affecting households and micro‑enterprises in South and Central Kalimantan.