Businesses across Sumatra suffered losses after a massive power outage affected most provinces on the island for two days, which PLN blamed on a power disruption on a high-voltage power line in South Sumatra.
esidents across regions of Sumatra have complained about losses endured during a two-day blackout that hit the island, which disrupted their lives and affected most businesses.
The blackout started on Tuesday following a disruption in a high-voltage power line (sutet) between Lubuk Linggau and Lahat in South Sumatra, according to state electricity company PLN.
The affected power line, part of an electricity network connecting various regions across Sumatra, caused blackouts in most parts of the island.
Small businesses were among the most affected by the two-day blackout, such as one photocopy and printing business owned by Abdul Wahi in Medan, North Sumatra. With no power, he could not operate his photocopy and printing machines which are the core of his business.
“My customers couldn’t use the computer, photocopier and printers […] My revenue dropped by 70 percent,” Abdul said on Thursday.
Endang Suliastiningsih, a juice seller in the city, was also affected, saying her customers were disappointed because she was unable to use her blender, with her revenue falling by 80 percent during the blackout.
Nadia, who owns a laundry business in Padang Bulan subdistrict in Medan, was forced to close her shop for the two days, only operating again on Thursday when the electricity returned.
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