PLN intensifies protection of electricity networks against forest fires in Kalimantan

PT PLN (Persero) is intensifying efforts to protect electricity infrastructure and ensure service reliability amid forest and land fires (Karhutla) in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

In Central Kalimantan, the PLN Palangkaraya Transmission Implementation Unit has deployed 438 personnel across four strategic posts to manage risks during the provincial government's alert period from August 31 to September 29, 2026. Mitigation strategies include real-time satellite monitoring of hotspots near 150 kV transmission lines and routine ground patrols to inspect the Right of Way (ROW) around towers. PLN is also coordinating with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), TNI, and Polri, while providing masks to affected communities through employee volunteering.

In West Kalimantan, the PLN Ketapang Unit is responding to fires affecting approximately 1 kilometer of Medium Voltage Networks (JTM) and 20 pole locations in Pangkalan Batu Village. Management noted that heat and thick smoke pose risks to the electrical environment, prompting rapid deployment of teams to secure the network and ensure worker safety using occupational health and safety (K3) procedures.