PLN Nusantara Power Deploys Helicopters to Break Isolation: Accelerating Power Restoration in North Sumatra and Aceh
Jakarta, 2 December 2025 — PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) has deployed helicopters to reach isolated areas affected by flash floods and landslides in North Sumatra and Aceh. This extraordinary measure was taken to accelerate the delivery of logistical assistance and ensure the safety of employees, their families, and surrounding communities near affected power generation units. The deployment also forms part of an accelerated mitigation effort to restore the operation of impacted power plants, which are critical to reestablishing electricity supply for local communities.
The major disasters that struck in late November 2025 completely cut off land access to Sipansihaporas Hydropower Plant (UP Pandan), Peusangan Hydropower Plant (UP Arun), and Cot Trueng Diesel Power Plant. Other units, including UP Arun, UP Belawan, and UPHK Medan, were also affected by flooding. In addition to blocked land routes, communication systems at Sipansihaporas and Peusangan were disrupted, making it difficult to monitor the condition of employees and their families in real time.
From the first day of the disaster, PLN NP maintained intensive communication with all affected units, closely monitoring operational conditions, logistics, emergency needs, and employee safety. Emergency response teams from PLN NP’s Head Office and nearby units across Aceh and North Sumatra were immediately mobilized to assess needs and coordinate the distribution of assistance.
However, conventional transportation routes were inaccessible. Land routes were blocked by landslides, sea routes were unsafe due to extreme weather, and helicopters available in Sumatra were under BASARNAS coordination for evacuation missions. Through close coordination with PT PLN (Persero) and BASARNAS, PLN NP ultimately deployed a helicopter from Jakarta as the fastest and most viable solution.
On 31 November 2025, the first helicopter landed at Polonia Airport, transporting emergency response personnel and critical equipment, including satellite internet modules, which were prioritized to restore communication. Reliable communication was essential to coordinate relief distribution and recovery operations in the field. A disaster response command post was subsequently established at the Kualanamu Airport Authority Office in Medan.
PLN NP then conducted three helicopter flight missions. The first mission focused on validating landing zones, delivering emergency communication equipment, and preparing logistical distribution. The second and third missions transported large-scale logistics and other essential supplies required on site.
Equipment and logistical supplies delivered included generators, fuel, lighting equipment, power cables, satellite internet devices, medical supplies, food, and other basic necessities. In the next phase, PLN NP also prepared alternative logistical routes as road access gradually began to reopen.
President Director of PLN Nusantara Power, Ruly Firmansyah, emphasized that personnel safety and the rapid restoration of electricity supply remain the Company’s highest priorities.
“We moved swiftly, utilizing every possible option. Deploying helicopters was a decision we made to ensure the safety of PLN NP personnel and the community, while accelerating the recovery of power plant operations that are vital for electricity supply in the affected regions,” Ruly stated.
PLN Nusantara Power remains fully committed to accelerating recovery efforts at all affected units, working closely with local governments, BASARNAS, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and all relevant stakeholders to ensure electricity supply is restored as quickly as possible for communities in North Sumatra and Aceh. (*)
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PT PLN Nusantara Power
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About PT PLN Nusantara Power
PT PLN Nusantara Power is a subholding of PT PLN (Persero) dedicated to serving the Indonesian nation while supporting national economic growth by providing high-quality, reliable, and environmentally friendly electricity. The Company operates power plants across Indonesia with a total installed capacity of 18,304 MW.
With a vision to become a Leading and Trusted Power Generation Company for Sustainable Energy in Indonesia and the Global Market, PLN Nusantara Power is committed to achieving Net Zero Emission through the development of more than 6.3 GW of renewable energy and by pioneering green power generation nationwide. The Company continuously innovates while adhering to strong Good Corporate Governance (GCG) principles.