Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A widespread blackout that plunged the Indonesian resort island of Bali into darkness for nearly 12 hours has prompted Governor Wayan Koster to renew calls for the adoption of rooftop solar energy systems as part of the province’s shift toward renewable energy.
The blackout, which began around 4 p.m. local time on Friday, May 2, affected nearly every district on the Bali island, causing major disruptions. This incident reinforces the urgency for Bali to reduce dependence on external electricity supplies and focus on self-reliance through clean energy.
The governor emphasized that the province will accelerate the implementation of rooftop solar power (PLTS atap) in both public and private sectors, including government offices, hotels, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, and residential areas.
He highlighted Bali’s ideal location along the equator, which ensures abundant sunlight year-round. “This is a source of energy that does not exploit nature, affordable and environmentally friendly,” Koster said, as reported by Bisnis (2/5/2025).
Koster’s push is backed by regional policies, including Bali Governor Regulation No. 45 of 2019 on Clean Energy and Circular No. 5 of 2022 on Rooftop Solar Utilization. The broader goal, he said, is to make Bali an energy-independent province powered by renewable sources like solar and gas.
In early March, Koster rejected proposals to increase Bali’s electricity supply via undersea cables from Java, warning that such infrastructure is vulnerable and could jeopardize the island’s grid stability. “It’s too easy to disrupt Bali with these cables,” he said, as reported by Antara.
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Earlier, blackout broke out in Bali on Firday (May 2) due to the disruption in the undersea cable connecting Java and Bali, according to State electricity firm PLN. The power outage led to widespread disruptions. Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Karangasem, Buleleng, and other regions were left in the dark.
According to Detikbali, the blackout in Bali has caused traffic gridlock in several locations and delayed flights at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Prolonged conditions without electricity has prompts residents to rushed to buy emergency lighting, generators, and candles as they waited for power to return.
Electricity began gradually restoring three hours after the outage, with full recovery only achieved by 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, nearly 12 hours later.
The blackout has intensified Bali’s commitment to renewable energy. Koster concluded that rooftop solar power is crucial not only for building a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem but also for elevating the quality of the island’s tourism sector.
(Raidi/Agung)
