Indonesia faces rolling blackouts amid coal shortfall and plant faults

A decline in Indonesia's coal production – from 836 million tons in 2024 to 790 million tons last year – and lower export volumes have tightened fuel supplies for power plants, while domestic market obligations (DMO) rose to 246 million tons. The Ministry of Energy targets a further cut to about 600 million tons in 2026, limiting flexibility for coal producers.

President Prabowo Subianto ordered Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to ensure that rotating blackouts on Java do not recur. Bahlil formed a special team, including PLN, the Mineral and Coal Directorate, BPKP and the Inspectorate General, to tighten oversight of coal procurement. He also refuted claims that a coal shortage was the primary cause, noting that contracts cover 134 million tons of the 154 million‑ton annual need.

PLN reported technical failures at two large independent power‑plant (IPP) steam units on Java and scheduled load‑shedding in Semarang, Yogyakarta, and other areas to maintain grid stability. Legal experts said affected households in Bandung can claim compensation under consumer‑protection and electricity laws. Legislative speaker Puan Maharani urged PLN to mitigate impacts on micro‑enterprises and essential services. A social‑media poster falsely warned of a three‑day blackout in Bali, which PLN denied.

The combined supply constraints, plant faults and government response have led to widespread rolling blackouts across Java and surrounding regions.