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number of hydro power plants in Central Java have stopped operating during the extended drought due to a drop in water levels at a number of reservoirs that are meant to propel their turbines.

The reservoirs have functioned more for irrigation rather than for power generation. "Yes, one of them is the Mrica power plant. The reservoir is actually for the sake of irrigation. So, during the extended drought, we prioritize it for irrigation," Central Java branch PT Indonesia Power general manager Harlen said in Banjarnegara.

A number of hydro power stations, according to Harlen, have completely stopped operating as well as supplying water for irrigation, in order to replenish water.

He said the temporary stoppage had not interrupted power distribution in Java because supplies could be replenished by a number of other power stations.

"We will give top priority to farmers for several days," Harlen told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

Banjarnegara branch PT Indonesia Power spokesman Gunawan Sri Wibowo said six hydro power stations in Central Java has stopped operating over the past two months due to the extended drought.

"This is because the public works office, which manages the reservoirs, has stopped channeling water for irrigation. As water stops flowing, the turbines could not operate," Gunawan said Thursday.