Johnny Johan Sompotan, Batam – A widespread power outage plunged much of Batam and its surrounding areas into darkness on Monday, disrupting water supplies and airport facilities, with electricity restored to only some areas by the evening.

Local electricity provider PLN Batam said the blackout was unrelated to damage to an undersea internet cable connecting Singapore and Batam, dismissing speculation that the two incidents were linked.

"PLN Batam emphasizes that reports circulating about internet service disruptions caused by damage to the Singapore-Batam undersea cable are unrelated to the disruption or ongoing restoration of PLN Batam's electricity system," the company said in an official statement.

By early evening, electricity had been restored in several parts of the city.

PLN Batam said power distribution had resumed in Batu Aji, Sagulung, Tiban, Batam Center, Baloi, Batu Ampar, Nagoya, and Punggur.

The company said restoration efforts were prioritizing essential public facilities, including airports, hospitals, and seaports.

PLN Batam did not disclose the precise cause of the blackout, saying an investigation was still underway. It described the incident as an "electrical system disruption that caused power outages across most of Batam and surrounding areas."

"PLN Batam's teams are continuing restoration efforts in stages, prioritizing safety and the reliability of the electricity system," the company said.

According to local news outlet Batam News, the blackout began at around 6:30 a.m. local time and also affected Bintan and Tanjungpinang in Riau Islands Province.

The outage disrupted clean water supplies as pumping stations were unable to operate without electricity.

At Hang Nadim International Airport, several commercial outlets and passenger waiting areas were left without lighting as the power supply was interrupted.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/widespread-blackout-leaves-much-of-batam-without-power-for-hour