Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PT PLN) has apologized to consumers for a major blackout that hit Greater Jakarta and West Java on Sunday.

"We apologize for the blackout. We are now attempting to normalize (the electricity supply). Some relay stations have been turned on," PLN's Executive Vice President Corporate Communication & CSR I Made Suprateka said in a statement.

He explained that the blackout was caused by trips or errors on the Suralaya turbine gas from number 1 to 6, while the turbine gas number 7 is off. Cilegon turbine gas-powered power plants in Banten are also experiencing troubles.

In West Java, a trouble in the Extra High Voltage (SUTET) 500 kV transmission has caused a power outage in such areas as Bandung, Bekasi, Cianjur, Cimahi, Cirebon, Garut, Karawang, Purwakarta, Majalaya, Sumedang, Tasikmalaya, Depok, Gunung Putri, Sukabumi, and Bogor.

PLN will take its best efforts to return the electric power in the regions to normal, Suprateka said.

A blackout has affected thousands of homes and public facilities in Greater Jakarta and West Java's areas on Sunday afternoon. The electricity went out at 11:48 a.m. local time.

The blackout also affected Jakarta's commuter train and MRT services.

Translator: Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019