JAKARTA, DISWAY.ID – The government continues to accelerate the completion of the 510 MW Batang Toru Hydropower Plant (PLTA) project, which is listed as a National Strategic Project (PSN). This commitment was underscored during a working visit by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia, Yuliot, to the project site in South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra.
The visit reflects the government’s commitment to accelerating the development of new and renewable energy (EBT) while strengthening the reliability of the electricity system on Sumatra Island.
During the visit, Yuliot and officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources inspected key project facilities, ranging from the dam area, transmission lines, and the area covered by the Forest Area Utilization Permit (PPKH), to the powerhouse, which serves as the plant’s operational hub.
The agenda began with opening remarks from the President Director of PT North Sumatra Hydro Energy (NSHE), Li Xinlu, followed by a presentation on project progress, directives from the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, and discussions regarding the acceleration of construction completion.
Project Progress Nears 90 Percent
PT NSHE President Director Li Xinlu expressed appreciation for the government’s support in driving the project’s completion through coordination across ministries and agencies.
According to him, as of July 2026, the physical progress of the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant had reached 89.49 percent. This figure marks the successful recovery of the project, returning it to the status held prior to the floods and landslides that struck North Sumatra in November 2025.
“We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for their continued attention and support for this project. Various inter-agency coordination forums have helped us resolve challenges in the field. The Batang Toru Hydropower Plant will serve as a key pillar of Sumatra’s electricity system while supporting national renewable energy development,” said Li Xinlu. Government Pushes to Accelerate Electricity Supply in Sumatra
In his directives, Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Yuliot emphasized the project’s vital role in maintaining the reliability of the national electricity supply, particularly in the Sumatra region.
He noted that electricity demand in Sumatra continues to rise, necessitating the accelerated completion of new power plants.
“This visit is part of the government’s effort to accelerate energy provision while enhancing the reliability of the national electricity system. Given the limitations regarding other primary energy sources, the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant (PLTA)—which is set to join the grid soon—will serve as a key bolster for Sumatra’s electricity supply,” said Yuliot.
Bouncing Back After Floods and Landslides
Construction of the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant faced setbacks due to floods and landslides that occurred on November 24–25, 2025.
The disaster caused damage to transmission networks, dam facilities, the powerhouse, and access roads leading to the project site.
According to analysis by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the event was classified as a non-routine extreme weather occurrence with a return period exceeding 200 years.
Nevertheless, within approximately eight months, NSHE successfully carried out various recovery efforts, restoring project progress to pre-disaster levels.
Currently, the dam is ready to enter the initial impounding phase, while the powerhouse commissioning process is proceeding on schedule. Additionally, switchyard testing is 100 percent complete, and transmission line restoration is continuing in line with established targets.
Government Strengthens Inter-Agency Synergy
NSHE management explained that the 2026 Commercial Operation Date (COD) target still requires support from various ministries, agencies, local governments, and PT PLN to expedite the completion of licensing and legal administrative requirements necessary for the impounding stage.
In response, Yuliot emphasized the importance of coordination among all stakeholders.
“We need support from ministries, agencies, provincial and regency governments, as well as coordination with PT PLN and its subsidiaries, so that all obstacles can be resolved collaboratively to strengthen the national energy mix,” he stated.
NSHE also expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ (ESDM) support in accelerating the resolution of transmission line Right of Way (ROW) issues and facilitating inter-agency coordination regarding licensing—factors deemed crucial for reaching the commercial operation stage.
Contributing to Disaster Response
Beyond focusing on power plant construction, NSHE has also played a role in addressing the impacts of floods and landslides in South Tapanuli Regency.
The company assisted in the restoration of national and provincial roads, distributed logistical aid to 16 villages, provided clean water to approximately 200 households, and repaired educational facilities and places of worship affected by the disaster.
Ready to Bolster Indonesia’s Renewable Energy Targets
Concluding his visit, the Deputy Minister of ESDM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to overseeing the completion of national strategic energy projects.
“In accordance with the President’s directive, we must continue conducting direct field inspections and accelerating project completion to ensure the continued availability and reliability of the national energy supply,” Yuliot said.
For context, the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant (PLTA) has an installed capacity of 510 MW, with a potential electricity generation of 2,124.03 GWh per year. Its operation is expected to strengthen Sumatra’s electricity system while supporting Indonesia’s renewable energy mix targets.
Source: Disway