Aceh faces a bitter irony: despite having a surplus of hundreds of megawatts, its people still suffer from recurring blackouts. The Front of Students and Youth Against Violence (FOMAPAK) accuses by National Electric Company (PLN) and the Aceh Government of failing to secure the people’s basic right to energy.
“How can Aceh, with a surplus of electricity, remain in darkness? This is not just a technical issue—it is a violation of the Acehnese people’s right to energy,” stressed FOMAPAK Secretary-General Munazir, SH.I., MH.
According to FOMAPAK data, Aceh’s peak electricity demand in 2023 was only 631 MW, while available capacity reached 822 MW. The surplus of 191 MW, however, was largely channeled to North Sumatra.
“Our energy is being drained, while our own people are abandoned in the dark. This is nothing less than a new form of colonialism in the name of energy,” Munazir declared.
He emphasized that access to electricity is a constitutional right, as mandated by the Consumer Protection Law and the Electricity Law. “The failure of PLN to provide stable service is a betrayal of the constitution. The Aceh Government must not remain passive. This is a matter of regional dignity,” he added.
FOMAPAK warned that frequent blackouts severely impact the economy and public services: cafés and restaurants incur losses, schools and universities face disruptions, and hospitals risk paralysis. “If PLN cannot ensure stability, it is both unlawful and a betrayal of the people,” Munazir said.
He further highlighted Aceh’s vast energy potential—from the Nagan Raya coal power plant and the Peusangan hydropower plant to geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar resources—yet little of it directly benefits the people of Aceh. “Aceh has been turned into an energy barn for other provinces, while its own economy stagnates,” he noted.
In response, FOMAPAK urged the Aceh Government to take control of energy management in accordance with Law No. 11/2006 on the Governance of Aceh.
“Energy independence is not a slogan—it is non-negotiable. Aceh must not remain in darkness amidst a power surplus. The people are entitled to electricity that is fair, stable, and dignified,” Munazir concluded.
