Jakarta—PT PLN (Persero) continues to accelerate the expansion of its Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU) infrastructure in Kalimantan Island to support the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) on Wednesday, March 19. With a significant increase in the number of SPKLUs, the distance between charging points is now only about 40 kilometres, ensuring easy access for electric vehicle users.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, during his visit to the Ulin 150 kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, appreciated PLN’s steps in expanding the SPKLU network. According to him, the surge in the use of electric cars in Kalimantan demands a more massive and equitable increase in infrastructure.
“I was quite surprised by the level of electric car usage in Kalimantan. SPKLU has increased by about 6.5 times compared to last year. If 2024 there were only 32 units, now the number has reached 209 units,” Mr Bahlil said.
With a total of 209 SPKLUs spread across 167 locations, PLN ensures that electric vehicle users can charge easily. This increase is part of the national strategy in transitioning to clean energy and supporting the battery-based electric vehicle programme (KLBB).
In addition to increasing the number of SPKLUs, PLN also ensures operational readiness to optimise services for electric vehicle users. Around 1,660 operational personnel have been alerted to ensure smooth services, including supporting facilities such as mobile applications and charger services.
Bahlil also emphasised that electricity conditions in Kalimantan are safe, especially ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2025. With Kalimantan’s net capable power (DMN) reaching 3,334 MW and a peak load of 2,412 MW, the power reserve reaches 922 MW or around 38%.
“The installed capacity compared to the peak load is still a surplus of 38%, so there are no obstacles. The availability of generating fuels such as coal, gas, and petrol is also safe for the next 20 to 30 days,” he explained.
Nationally, electricity is also stable, with a national DMN of 67,415 MW and power reserves reaching 49%. The government continues to strive to maintain the availability of energy, both electricity, fuel and gas, ahead of Hari Raya. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: nsh/2023
