PLN expands Labuan Bajo substation and grid to support tourism growth

Labuan Bajo — — State utility PT PLN (Persero) has expanded transformer capacity at the Labuan Bajo substation as part of wider electricity investments to support tourism growth in Labuan Bajo and the Tana Mori area in western Flores. The project is tied to national efforts to strengthen power supply for designated super-priority tourism destinations.

In a company statement dated 9 September 2022, PLN said it had added a 30 MVA transformer at the Labuan Bajo substation, increasing operating capacity there to 50 MVA from a previous 20 MVA unit, according to PLN’s Nusa Tenggara project division head Wahidin.

PLN framed the investment as part of a broader programme to ensure reliable power for premium customers and the general public in the Flores system, which the company said then had available generation capacity of about 95 MW against a peak load of 79 MW.

Underground cables and tourism-linked demand

Separately, PLN has been developing underground medium-voltage networks and other distribution facilities to match the expansion of tourism infrastructure in Labuan Bajo and towards Tana Mori.

According to an August 2022 report citing PLN’s East Nusa Tenggara regional manager Agustinus Jatmiko, the utility has been building underground power cables in stages, beginning around Komodo Airport and extending through Labuan Bajo, with subsequent works planned along the route to Tana Mori.

In the same report, PLN said it was building a transformer with 30 MVA capacity at the Labuan Bajo substation and medium-voltage underground cable networks to serve the Tana Mori Special Economic Zone. Supply for Tana Mori is to be taken from the Labuan Bajo substation, according to the report.

Transmission projects and Flores interconnection

PLN has also pursued transmission upgrades to strengthen the Labuan Bajo node and the wider Flores grid.

In a February 2022 release, PLN said it was adding a 30 MVA transformer at the Labuan Bajo substation and building a transmission line between the Labuan Bajo substation and the Rangko gas-engine power plant. The company described these steps as measures to reinforce the Flores interconnection and ensure sufficient supply to the Labuan Bajo tourism area.

The Flores electricity system has since been consolidated. In April 2023, PLN reported that western Flores (from Labuan Bajo to Bajawa) and eastern Flores (from Ende to Maumere) had been successfully interconnected since July 2021, creating a single Flores system.

For major events, PLN has highlighted its ability to supply Labuan Bajo from this interconnected system. Ahead of the ASEAN Summit hosted in Labuan Bajo, the company said the town was being supplied via 150 kV and 70 kV transmission lines, with available capacity of about 99 MW and peak demand of 84 MW at that time.

Customer service reorganisation

PLN has also reorganised its regional customer service operations to align with the growing importance of Labuan Bajo and the western Flores tourism corridor.

In August 2022, regional media reported that PLN relocated the Flores Barat Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3 Flores Bagian Barat) from Ende to Labuan Bajo. PLN’s regional business director said the move was intended to improve customer service in the Labuan Bajo tourism area by upgrading the local office from a branch-level unit to a UP3-level operation.

PLN indicated that a separate customer service unit would be established in Ende to maintain service levels there.

Capacity outlook and tourism

Across these projects, PLN has consistently linked investments in transformers, underground cables and transmission lines to anticipated growth in premium tourism facilities and general electricity demand in Labuan Bajo and Tana Mori. Company officials have said the aim is to secure reliable supply and reduce the risk of outages as new hotels, resorts and supporting infrastructure come online.

While PLN releases and local media reports confirm additional transformer capacity at the Labuan Bajo substation and ongoing investment in underground networks and transmission lines, they do not specify a 60 MVA transformer capacity at the substation or provide a single consolidated figure for total investment in Labuan Bajo power infrastructure.

Sources

• PLN official press release: "Tambah Trafo 30 MVA, PLN Siap Dukung Labuan Bajo Jadi Destinasi Pariwisata Super Prioritas"
• Tempo.co article on underground power cables and transformer works in Labuan Bajo and Tana Mori
• Timex Kupang report on relocation of PLN UP3 Flores Barat office to Labuan Bajo