An official of state-owned electricity company PLN has said that the termination of the operation of a coal-fired power plant (PLTU) in Bukit Asam, South Sumatra, was only temporary.

The demand of electricity in the province was 574 megawatts, while the existing power capacity was 760 megawatts, PLN spokesman I Made Suprateka said.

“It was only temporary. When the demand increases, the power plant will operate again,” Made said as quoted by kontan.com on Friday.

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Previously, PLN’s Workers Association (SP PLN) had protested the decision of the policy to halt the power plant's operation since Nov. 2, last year.

The decision was made after PLTU Sumsel V, which is owned by PT DSSP Power Sumsel, a subsidiary of PT Dian Swastatika Santosa Tbk (DSSA), started its operation because PLN was required to buy (takeover) all power supplied by PLTU V. PLN had sacrificed PLTU Bukit Asam.

The termination of PLTU Bukit Asam's operation will not last long as the power demand in South Sumatra will soon increase with impending projects that require a power supply. (bbn)